In a bid to tackle poverty-related issues in South County, Saint Joseph’s Family Center and South County Compassion Center have forged a closer collaborative alliance.

David Cox, the Executive Director of St. Joseph’s Family Center for over 23 years, expressed optimism about the move, stating, “Together, we can truly make a difference in addressing the devastating impact of poverty on South County families.”

The joint vision aims to alleviate community poverty, diminish food and housing insecurity, strengthen the safety net for the most vulnerable, and provide essential support to the unhoused population. The goal is to offer fresh opportunities for stability and a pathway to permanent housing, ultimately fostering a thriving community where all residents can enjoy an improved quality of life.

The decision to merge resources stems from the agencies’ extensive experience serving South County. With over 60 years of combined service, both organizations have established a strong presence in the community. St. Joseph’s Family Center has been a key provider of food assistance, homeless prevention, permanent supportive housing and other complimentary safety-net services. Meanwhile, the South County Compassion Center has been instrumental in addressing the needs of the unhoused population and facilitating their transition to permanent housing.

The consolidation of services will enable the agencies to offer comprehensive support to individuals facing poverty in South Santa Clara County. By leveraging shared resources, they aim to enhance existing programs and expand services to reach a broader audience. This collaboration ensures the long-term stability of the combined agency while maximizing its capacity to effect positive change in the community.

Tim Davis, Executive Director of the Compassion Center, emphasized the importance of including donors, volunteers, clients, staff, and partners in this transformative endeavor. He assured stakeholders that their engagement with the agencies will remain unchanged, with added opportunities for support and involvement.

The integration of services will not alter the accessibility of programs for those in need. Clients will retain direct access to the same services and individuals they have relied on in the past, while volunteers and donors will continue to play a vital role in supporting the agencies’ missions.

As the agencies embark on this collaborative journey, the newly joined board of directors express their full support and confidence in becoming the premier resource for poverty alleviation in South County.

For more information about this collaboration please visit the information page at sjfcandsccc-partnership.org, where you can search for information, read our frequently asked questions, or submit your own question. An informational event will be announced in the coming months.