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Santa Cruz Mayor Martine Watkins awarded $30,862 to local nonprofit Hope Services on behalf of the City of Santa Cruz and the Downtown Association's Parking for Hope Program at today’s City Council meeting. The check was accepted by Hope Services workers and staff including Program Coordinator David Guarente. The funds were collected from Dec. 18 through 25 in the fifth annual Parking for Hope downtown holiday parking program. The usual parking rates applied, however, the proceeds from street meters during these eight days were designated for donation to Hope Services, a Santa Cruz organization that provides training and support services to adults with developmental disabilities and has helped to keep downtown streets clean for over 20 years. “Parking for Hope’s continued support over this past year has allowed us to hire a new client as crew member providing him more opportunities and independence through employment,” said Hope Services Program Manager Sheryl Hagemann. “And we are making a big impact with our clean-up, picking up an average of three 30-gallon bags every single day!” Parking for Hope began as a pilot program in 2014 and has been well received by the public. Over $143,000 in total has been donated to Hope Services over five years. The funds increase opportunities for workers who help to keep downtown streets cleaner and welcoming. More information on the holiday parking program can be found at www.cityofsantacruz.com.
Santa Cruz Mayor Martine Watkins awarded $30,862 to local nonprofit Hope Services on behalf of the City of Santa Cruz and the Downtown Association's Parking for Hope Program at today’s City Council meeting. The check was accepted by Hope Services workers and staff including Program Coordinator David Guarente.
The funds were collected from Dec. 18 through 25 in the fifth annual Parking for Hope downtown holiday parking program. The usual parking rates applied, however, the proceeds from street meters during these eight days were designated for donation to Hope Services, a Santa Cruz organization that provides training and support services to adults with developmental disabilities and has helped to keep downtown streets clean for over 20 years.
“Parking for Hope’s continued support over this past year has allowed us to hire a new client as crew member providing him more opportunities and independence through employment,” said Hope Services Program Manager Sheryl Hagemann. “And we are making a big impact with our clean-up, picking up an average of three 30-gallon bags every single day!”
Parking for Hope began as a pilot program in 2014 and has been well received by the public. Over $143,000 in total has been donated to Hope Services over five years. The funds increase opportunities for workers who help to keep downtown streets cleaner and welcoming.
More information on the holiday parking program can be found at www.cityofsantacruz.com.