Senator Cortese Newsletter: A Helping Hand for the Unhoused

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Our Unhoused Health Fair was a Success!

 

Dear Neighbors,

Despite the winter chill, our hearts are warm with the spirit of giving and compassion. This is a time to gather and express gratitude for loved ones and to offer a helping hand to those facing challenging times. In that spirit, I wanted to share some heartening news about our recent Unhoused Health Fair, an event that embodies our community’s generous spirit. 

Earlier this month, over 40 local service providers came together to offer essential services to our unhoused neighbors. These organizations, listed below, provided all kinds of resources including free COVID and flu shots, health and dental screenings, mobile showers, haircuts, warm meals, bike repairs, and even a mobile pet clinic to extend care to the furry friends providing companionship to those forced to live on the street. 

The Unhoused Health Fair is about humanity and standing up for people in need. My deepest gratitude goes out to the dedicated volunteers who played an essential role in making this event possible. Your commitment exemplifies the best of our community spirit. If everyone shared the same dedication to this cause, we would end homelessness.

In the spirit of the season, I encourage everyone to check out the photos and list below and learn more about all the partners who participated in our December 8 Unhoused Health Fair. You might discover an opportunity to contribute in some way. 

I also want to emphasize that resources are available to families across our region. Please check out the "State and Local Resources" section below to explore various opportunities to help you reduce your bills and support your family. Thanks for carrying on the spirit of the season to uplift yourselves and our wonderful community. 

Be well,

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State Senator Dave Cortese

 

At our Unhoused Health Fair, Martha’s Kitchen provided over 300 hot, delicious meals to all. 

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Community SEVA, which normally brings food to those in need, handed out over 200 backpacks, each with a beanie, hat, gloves, socks, snacks and a hygiene kit.
 

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Students from San Jose City College School of Cosmetology provided over 100 free haircuts.
 

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Humane Society of Silicon Valley gave free checkups to our furry friends living without homes. Services ranged from vaccinations (including rabies), microchipping, and flea and tick prevention. 
 

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Special thanks to all our partner organizations:

  • Office of County of Santa Clara Board Supervisor Cindy Chavez
  • Office of City of San Jose Councilmember Omar Torres 
  • County of Santa Clara’s Public Health Department – Sexual * 
  • Health and Harm Reduction Program
  • County of Santa Clara Public Health Department – Mobile Response Team
  • County of Santa Clara Office of Emergency Management
  • County of Santa Clara - Valley Homeless Healthcare Program
  • County of Santa Clara Q Corner Services 
  • County of Santa Clara Office of the Public Defender
  • County of Santa Clara Department of Family and Children Services – Family Bureau
  • County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health Services Department
  • County of Santa Clara Social Services Agency
  • San Jose City College’s Cosmetology Department
  • Mission Community College Nursing Department
  • Gardner Health Services
  • Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County 
  • Milpitas Executive Lions Club
  • Humane Society of Silicon Valley – Mobile Pet Clinic 
  • WeHOPE’s Dignity on Wheels Mobile Showers
  • Community Cycles of California 
  • Opening Doors 2020
  • Martha's Kitchen
  • Community SEVA
  • HomeFIRST of Santa Clara County 
  • Recovery Café San Jose
  • Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) – HOPE Program
  • People Assisting The Homeless (PATH)
  • Bill Wilson Center
  • Mission Street Recovery Station
  • San Jose Department of Transportation
  • Community Health Partnership
  • On-Site Dental Care Foundation
  • Social Impact Team
  • Destination: Home
  • San Andreas Regional Center
  • Street Dog Coalition
  • ConXion to Community – San Jose
  • Center for Employment Training (CET) 
  • African American Cultural Center

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  • Almaden Quicksilver In Parks Junior Ranger Program
    Saturday, December 30, 10:00-11:00am at Almaden Quicksilver
    These 1-hour Junior Ranger programs are best for ages 7-12. After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbooks and receive the Santa Clara County Parks Junior Ranger badge. All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and programs include opportunities for nature hikes and hands-on activities. Santa Clara County Park, 21785 Almaden Rd San Jose, CA 95120. Sign up here.
  • Friends of Santa Teresa Park – First Friday Beautification Days
    Friday, January 5, 9am-12pm
    Bernal Ranch is a historic site located in Santa Clara County Parks. The Muwekma Ohlone were the first inhabitants of the land and recognized the value of the natural fresh water spring of Santa Teresa Spring. Sign up here.

 

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  • FREE Doggies and Kitties!
    Give a Home to a Furry Friend this Holiday Season. The County of Santa Clara Animal Care and Control is waiving adoption fees for any dog that has been at the shelter for over 30 days. If your family is ready for the best type of holiday gift, consider adopting a pet! Information here. 
  • Attention Residents: Apply to Serve on the Grand Jury
    Civic-minded individuals are encouraged to apply for the 2024-25 Civil Grand Jury, a key component of the judicial branch dedicated to transparency and accountability in local governance. This annual independent body investigates government entities, ensuring responsible use of public funds and evaluating detention conditions. Eligible applicants, aged 18 or older, U.S. citizens, and Santa Clara County residents, commit an average of 25 hours weekly for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2024. The fully online application process enhances accessibility, and prospective applicants can find details on the court's website. The deadline for applications is March 29, 2024. Click here for the Court’s Civil Grand Jury brochure and here for the 2024-25 application. For inquiries or additional information, please contact Britney Huelbig, Deputy Manager for the Civil Grand Jury, at 408-882-2721 or CGJ@scscourt.org. 
  • Attention Attorneys: Serve as a Temporary Judge
    Qualified attorneys are invited to join the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara's enhanced Temporary Judge Program. These judges play a crucial role in small claims, traffic hearings, and civil and family law dispute resolutions, aiding the court's efficient caseload management. Temporary judges serve in five divisions, aligning assignments with their expertise. County of Santa Clara’s Presiding Judge Beth McGowen underscores the program's pivotal role and encourages people with diverse backgrounds to apply for this vital effort. Details here or contact Britney Huelbig, Temporary Judge Administrator, at tjp@scscourt.org.
     

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I had a great time at the Santa Visits Alviso program by the Alviso Foundation, a nonprofit bettering the lives of Alviso residents. The Foundation has raised over $1.3 million over the years for families in need. 

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We shared an inspiring evening with Assemblymember Alex Lee celebrating healthcare professionals at the Santa Clara County Medical Association Annual Gala. Their dedication to patient care is truly inspiring. Thank you for keeping our community healthy.
 

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I was honored to join the Santa Clara County Wage Theft Coalition in celebrating 10 years of fighting for worker justice! The coalition’s unwavering commitment to protecting workers' rights has made an incredible difference in the lives of countless individuals.
 

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I enjoyed speaking with students in a Law and Society class at San Jose State.  We spoke about how laws are made in Sacramento and the opportunities we can collectively create for underserved Californians. Thank you, Professor Carlos Singh and University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson! 
 

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Mission College hosted an insightful Senior Health Policy Forum panel, where we had important conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing older workers. I'm committed to ensuring that everyone has access to quality care and can retire with dignity.
 

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My Office celebrated the second anniversary of the Santa Clara Family Health Plan’s Blanca Alvarado Community Resource Center. 
 

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I was proud to stand with our community’s dedicated scientists last month as they fought for pay equity. Over 5,000 members of the California Association of Professional Scientists work for the public good in over 50 state departments.
 

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