HomeFirst

06/15/2026

10-15 miles a day.

That's how far many people experiencing homelessness walk on average just to access basic services.

Housing assistance. Healthcare. Food support. Veteran services. Pet care. Showers and laundry. When resources are spread across multiple locations, getting help can become a challenge of its own.

That's why Community Resource Fairs matter.

Housing isn't a single service. It's a network of support. Resource Fairs help bring that network together, connecting people with the resources, information, and services they need to take the next step forward.

A special thank you to Anthem Blue Cross for sponsoring this event, and to every community partner who showed up to share resources, answer questions, and help make support more accessible.

Every connection matters. Every resource matters. Every step forward matters. ❤️

06/11/2026

The Companion Animal Resource and Emergency (CARE) Fund can exist when the community shows up. 🐾

It takes veterinarians, outreach workers, pet stores, boarding partners, trainers, donors, and animal lovers all coming together to help keep pets and people together during times of hardship.

For many people, companion animals are family—providing comfort, stability, protection, and unconditional love. No one should have to choose between housing and their pet.

We’re currently looking for community partners to help bring CARE to life.
Are you a:
• Vet clinic
• Pet supply store
• Pet food company
• Groomer or trainer
• Boarding facility
• Animal welfare organization
• Community donor or advocate

Join the community today and help make CARE possible. More information available at https://www.homefirstscc.org

06/10/2026

For many people, pets are more than companions—they're family.

When the Western Digital Finance Team joined us for a recent kit build, they chose to focus on supporting both people and the animals who provide comfort, connection, and unconditional love during difficult times.

Inspired in part by a shared love of animals, the team assembled:
🐱 100 Cat Kits
🐶 100 Dog Kits
☀️ 100 Warm Weather Kits

They even handcrafted toys for every companion animal kit, adding an extra touch of care for the pets who mean so much to their owners.
What started with a simple desire to give back became 300 kits that will help support our participants—and the companions who stand beside them through life's challenges.

Thank you to CFO Kris Sennesael and the Western Digital Finance Team for showing that community care comes in many forms.

Looking for a simple volunteer idea for you and your team? Visit https://www.homefirstscc.org/kit-builds

06/09/2026

LGBTQ+ youth experience homelessness at disproportionately high rates — and these numbers don’t exist in a vacuum.

Family rejection. Abuse. Mental health struggles. Lack of affirming support. These are some of the realities many LGBTQ+ young people face long before they ever lose housing.

Behind every statistic is a person deserving of safety, stability, and dignity.

At HomeFirst, we believe housing is more than shelter — it’s a foundation for healing, support, and belonging.

This Pride Month and beyond, we continue to the work toward safer, more affirming communities for everyone. 🌈

06/09/2026

What happens when lived experience stories can be shared?

Last Friday, Home Is Where the Art Is brought together artists, supporters, and community members for an evening filled with creativity, connection, and conversation.

The artwork featured in this showcase was created through our therapeutic art workshops, where HomeFirst program participants explored self-expression, healing, and personal growth through art.

Every piece shared a story. Every conversation built understanding.

We're proud that participating artists received 100% of the proceeds from their artwork sales, and grateful to everyone who helped make the evening such a success.

Thank you for helping us honor the creativity, resilience, and talent of our artists. A special thank you to the government officials in attendance, and to our sponsors and volunteers who make this all possible. ❤️

06/05/2026

For many people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, pets are more than companions.

They’re family.
They provide comfort during uncertainty, consistency during crisis, and unconditional love through it all.

The Companion Animal Resource & Emergency (CARE) Fund helps remove some of the barriers that can put that bond at risk—helping participants access emergency pet support, supplies, and resources so they can stay together.

Because no one should have to choose between their wellbeing and the animal they love.

Support the CARE Fund: https://endhomelessness.donorsupport.co/page/CARE

06/02/2026

Housing stability takes more than housing alone.

Access to mental health services, healthcare, veteran support, pet resources, communication tools, basic necessities, and trusted community connections can make a meaningful difference in someone's journey toward stability.

That's why HomeFirst partners with local agencies to host resource fairs like this one—bringing essential services together in one accessible location for our neighbors who need them most.

Every partnership, volunteer, donor, and supporter helps make these opportunities possible. Thank you for helping build a community where people can find not just resources, but pathways forward.

Know someone who could benefit? Share this post and help spread the word, our next Community Resource Fair takes place on:

Tuesday, June 9th from 10:30-1:30pm
At 1000 S. Bascom Community Center

Thank you to Anthem Blue Cross and our community partners.

06/01/2026

🎨 Home Is Where the Art Is is almost here!

Take a SNEAK PEEK at just a few of the powerful pieces that will be featured at this year’s event—each one telling a story of resilience, creativity, and home.

Join us for the first time ever at South First Fridays and the SubZERO festival!

When:
📅 Friday, June 5, 2026
🕔 5:00–8:00 PM
Where:
📍 Open San José
38 S 2nd St, San Jose, CA 95113

✨ This is more than an art showcase—it’s a space for connection, storytelling, and community.

We’d love to see you there. RSVP now to save your spot: https://www.homefirstscc.org/home-is-where-the-art-is

Spots are limited—don’t wait to be part of this experience!

06/01/2026

First time ever in South FIRST FRIDAYS and SubZERO Festival! 🙌

First Fridays ArtWalk + SubZERO Festival _ June 5th & 6th at

HomeFirst at
Open San Jose

www.southfirstfridays.com

05/29/2026

“You don’t need experience to make a difference.” ❤️

Kit Builds bring people together to pack essential items for neighbors experiencing homelessness—things like hygiene supplies, snacks, and weather protection.

One of the best parts is that anyone can participate. Parents and kids, youth groups, classrooms, sports teams, and local organizations can all come together to help support the community.

These moments don’t just provide supplies—they teach compassion, connection, and the importance of showing up for one another.

Learn more and get involved! https://www.homefirstscc.org/kit-builds