People First of Santa Cruz County
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
To ensure housing for all by uniting the community, forming partnerships, inspiring advocacy and providing service.
- Income
- $5.6 million
- Spending
- $5.0 million
- Spent on programs
- 100%
- Reserves
- 1.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- donations and private grants, 100%
- Employees
- 199
- Highest pay
- $98,425, executive director
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 58% of charities in its peer group (housing, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.6 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 27% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 9% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 253% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 15100% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Weak: 35 out of 100. Higher than 1% of charities in its peer group (housing, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 256 of 6 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
0 of 5Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
0 of 5Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.
Independent check of accounts
0 of 15Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $3.7 million spent. The Armory program provided 24/7 emergency shelter and meals for up to 135 individuals. Guests received three daily meals, access to showers, and a safe place to stay. Staff offered transportation to medical appointments, employment interviews, and housing-related services to reduce barriers to stability. On-site case management helped participants secure permanent housing, employment, and benefits, and obtain essential identification documents such as ID cards, birth certificates, and Social Security cards.
- $616,172 spent. People First SCC's outreach-based case management program assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness in pursuing permanent housing solutions and accessing essential community, health, and financial resources. Health Care Navigators work to bridge gaps in the traditional health care system by extending care coordination beyond hospitals into community settings. Case managers provide in-person support to help participants address social determinants of health, obtain and maintain housing, access recovery and stabilization resources, and avoid higher-cost levels of care.
- $378,261 spent. RV Safe Parking (RVSP) Program: The RVSP program offered a safe and secure parking environment for vehicles over 20 feet, along with case management and housing navigation services. Participants received assistance with obtaining vital documents and limited vehicle repair support, helping them maintain safety, stability, and connection to long-term housing resources.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending September 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 2019.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.