As the issue of homelessness and lack of affordable housing impact the entire community, local volunteers from all walks of life are stepping up to help in our efforts to ensure all Santa Fe residents have access to affordable housing that is safe, stable, and supportive.

Volunteers were initially recruited from two large town hall events that took place in the fall and winter of 2022. Town hall attendees interested in becoming part of the solution were provided an opportunity to share their contact information, interests, and ideas for helping to reduce the experience of homelessness in Santa Fe and promote a more inclusive, connected community.

Community volunteers began meeting in person in January 2023, and currently meet as a large group on the first Tuesday of each month from 4:00-6:00pm at Christ Lutheran Church (1701 Arroyo Chamiso Road) in Santa Fe. Meetings include educational sessions specific to the local homeless response and affordable housing systems, presentations by providers and government officials serving the unhoused in Santa Fe, discussions with individuals who have or are currently experiencing homelessness, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration and build community among the housed and unhoused.

In addition to the standing monthly meeting, subcommittees have been established (and meet regularly) to provide detailed focus and action in the following areas:

• Community Cleanup and Support - Volunteers organize to clean up trash and abandoned encampments throughout Santa Fe.
• Community Education - Volunteers partner with members of the Lived Experience Advisory Board to educate the community at large about the complex issues impacting the unhoused - including types of homelessness, possible solutions, etc.
• Individual and Group Mentorship - Volunteers partner with provider agencies to help support individuals who are experiencing homelessness or who are newly housed and in need of additional support and human connection.

Volunteers are actively engaged in a variety of advocacy efforts throughout the community and are working closely with the Santa Fe Housing Action Coalition and other organizations committed to supporting policy changes that promote solutions to homelessness and equitable access to affordable housing and support services for all Santa Feans.

If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about our efforts, we invite you to attend a monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of the month or you may send an email to: info@volunteersantafe.com.

Hear what volunteers have to say:

“As a volunteer, I have realized how impactful we can be when we take time to help our fellow Santa Feans who are currently unhoused. Talking to unhoused residents, I know it could happen to any of us because it doesn’t take much to end up unhoused; one job loss, serious injury or house fire could cause it.” Kevin Rapp

"Working with the unhoused, the Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) and the S3 community of volunteers has been meaningful, inspiring and purposeful. Our work has effective positive change in our community and we are using our strengths in service of something much larger than we are. What a gift this has been." Jean and George Palmer