High cost of living leaves little left for family traditions
San Jose, CA – Hundreds of families will come to Sacred Heart Community Service (SHCS) on Friday morning to register for the agency’s annual holiday food and toy program. Skyrocketing rents and wages that do not keep up mean this program is needed now more than ever.
SHCS’s annual holiday tradition of uniting the community will ensure thousands of families in our community will continue their own holiday traditions. This year the agency is planning to distribute more than 7,200 turkeys and food boxes and 18,600 toys during the holiday season.
The holiday food boxes help families who are already feeling the stress of the high cost housing market. In the second quarter of 2016, the average cost of apartment rent was $2,503. T of households In Santa Clara County earn less than $50,000 a year. The holiday food program is but one of many programs SHCS has, including essential services, self-sufficiency programs, and advocacy to address the root causes of poverty. SHCS is a strong supporter of Measure A—an affordable housing bond on the November 8th ballot that will bring $950 million dollars in much needed affordable housing for our most vulnerable community members in Santa Clara County.
Lucy Moran, an SHCS Community leader, encourages people to vote yes on Measure A. “All people deserve a better quality of life like the rest of us. Our wages don’t go up as fast as the rents are going up & it’s very unfair. By voting yes, you’re really making a difference for the future of our children’s children.”
Sacred Heart relies on the support of hundreds of individuals, companies, and organizations to ensure the success of its holiday program. Bring joy this holiday season and join the Sacred Heart family. Learn more about SHCS’s Holiday program by visiting www.sacredheartcs.org/holidays.
WHAT: Hundreds of families will line up to register for Sacred Heart Community Service’s Holiday Food and Toy Program.
WHEN: Registration begins Friday, November 4, 2016.
With lines of waiting families camping out early in front of the agency, staff will be available for
interviews starting at 4:00am on Friday. Please call Jill if you wish to do a Thursday night spot.
WHERE: Sacred Heart Community Service, 1381 S. First Street (at Alma), San Jose, CA. Press parking is available in the agency parking lot.
WHY: Because of the high cost of housing, families struggle on an ongoing basis to meet rent and
basic needs. Sacred Heart’s community rallies together during the holidays to ensure every family can enjoy their holiday traditions.