Continuing the Work, Together: Wings and People First

A Stronger Foundation for the Work We Love: Wings Integrates with People First of Santa Cruz

If you’ve been part of the Wings community for any amount of time, you know that our work has always been about people — neighbors, families, volunteers, and partners coming together to make sure no one has to rebuild their life alone.

Today, we want to share an important update about how we’re strengthening that work for the long term.

Wings Homeless Advocacy is integrating with People First of Santa Cruz, and moving forward, our two core programs — Vital Documents and Welcome Home — will continue as programs within People First.

This is a thoughtful, values-driven step rooted in sustainability, stewardship, and care for the community we serve.

Why This Matters — and Why Now

Over the years, Wings has grown alongside the needs of Santa Cruz County. We’ve helped thousands of neighbors access birth certificates and IDs. We’ve delivered beds, bedding, and household essentials to people moving into housing after months or years without stability. We’ve built deep relationships — with clients, volunteers, and community partners.

As our impact has grown, so has the responsibility to make sure this work can continue — not just this year, but for many years to come.

By integrating with People First, Wings gains a stronger organizational foundation while staying true to who we are. This change allows us to focus more energy, time, and funding on direct services while reducing the administrative burden of operating as a standalone nonprofit.

Simply put: it helps us take better care of the people we serve — and the people who make this work possible.

What’s Staying the Same (Because This Is Important)

We want to be very clear about what is not changing:

• The same Wings team will continue leading and delivering our programs

• Our mission, values, and heart remain the same.

• Clients will receive the same services and support.

• Volunteers, partners, and community members will work with the same people.

• Existing relationships, workflows, and points of contact stay intact

If you work with Wings — as a volunteer, donor, partner, or client — you’ll continue to see familiar faces doing the same work, with the same care and commitment.

What This Integration Makes Possible

By becoming programs within People First, Wings gains access to infrastructure and support that help us grow thoughtfully and sustainably. This integration opens the door to:

• Greater organizational stability

• Expanded collaboration with community partners

• More opportunities for volunteers to get involved

• Increased capacity to meet growing community needs

Most importantly, it allows us to spend less time worrying about overhead and more time showing up for our neighbors.

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A Meaningful Shift for Donors and Supporters

There’s another critical benefit we want our community to know about. Because Wings will now operate as programs of People First, donations can be directed entirely toward programs and direct services, rather than the administrative costs required to maintain a standalone nonprofit.

That means your generosity goes further — helping secure vital documents, deliver beds, and support people as they rebuild their lives with dignity.

Moving Forward, Together

This integration reflects a shared belief between Wings and People First: everyone deserves stability, dignity, and the support needed to thrive.

Wings exists because of this community — because volunteers show up, donors give generously, partners collaborate, and neighbors believe in one another. We’re deeply grateful to continue this work on a stronger, more sustainable foundation.

We’ll continue to share updates as the transition moves forward, and if you have questions, we encourage you to reach out. We’re always happy to talk.

Thank you for being part of Wings — and for helping us build a future where care, dignity, and community come first.