Picture This: Belonging Builds Community is a quarterly storytelling and community-building series hosted by Housing Matters. Each gathering will explore the themes of belonging, connection, and the shared responsibility we all hold in shaping a resilient Santa Cruz County.
Every session will open with a featured storyteller sharing their lived experience of belonging, what it has meant to be seen, supported, and included, and how those moments have shaped their sense of place within the community. Through storytelling, we will be invited to explore our own experience of belonging.
Following the story, a local community partner will join us for a panel conversation exploring what community building looks like in practice. Together, we’ll discuss what it takes to cultivate inclusive spaces, the lessons they’ve learned in their work, and how belonging shows up in real and tangible ways across our County.
We will close each event with small breakout groups, where attendees can reflect on their own experiences of belonging and consider their role in creating a more connected community. Participants will be guided to identify one meaningful action they can take after the event, an individual commitment that, when combined with others, contributes to lasting, collective impact.
This quarterly series invites us to slow down, listen deeply, build relationships, and imagine a Santa Cruz County where everyone belongs. We hope you’ll join us.
📍Location: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
📅Save the dates!
- Thursday, June 4th | 6:00–8:00 PM
- Thursday, September 10th | 6:00–8:00 PM
- Thursday, December 3th | 6:00–8:00 PM
If you are interested in donating or sponsoring to help make this event possible, please contact Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer at [email protected]