The mission of the Housing Resource Center (HRC) of Monterey County is to provide a continuum of housing resources for homeless prevention and affordable housing opportunities. HRC fosters community stability, stronger communities, and personal economic empowerment through education, advocacy, counseling and services.
Three Year Goals
- Achieve financial strength and stability
- Increase temporary and permanent housing
- Attract, develop and retain quality staff
- Strengthen Board development and diversity
Who we are
Our agency has been a staple in our community since the early 1980’s. The names may have changed, but the mission remained the same. We have been advocating for affordable and attainable housing for all who need or request it. We recognize that each community member may be at a different housing phase; some are homeless and need a place to rent, some are at risk of becoming homeless, and some are renters who are looking to purchase a home for the first time. No matter the phase you are in, knowing where to go and who to speak can be rather daunting. With HRC, you know that for as long as you have been supporting us, we also strive to support you in all your housing endeavors.
Why should the community support us?
Homelessness isn’t a distant problem — it’s a growing crisis right here in Monterey County, and the Housing Resource Center (HRC) is just one non-profit that's on the front lines of the response. Throughout the pandemic and the six years after, HRC has seen the faces of homeless change for the worse. Working parents, dedicated students, parents and children with serious medical illnesses, domestic violence survivors, and many others are now experiencing what housing instability feels like.
In highlighting statistics carried out in our county's last 2024 Monterey County Homeless Census and Point-in-Time count:
- 2,436 individuals were experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2024 — a 19% increase from 2022.
- A staggering 77% (1,883 people) were unsheltered, living on streets, in vehicles, encampments, or places not meant for habitation.
- Only 23% (553 people) had access to any form of shelter.
- 78% of those counted reported being homeless for more than one year, showing how deeply entrenched homelessness has become.
- The vast majority attribute their situation to financial struggles, including job loss and housing costs that far exceed wages in the region.
- The most important data for us to highlight is 81% of those unhoused mentioned they were Monterey County residents before experiencing homelessness. This shows that our community is not providing services to non-resident individuals. These are our community members, our families, who are struggling and need support.
These numbers aren’t just statistics — they represent individuals and families struggling to survive in one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. Without support, too many people remain stuck in long-term homelessness with limited access to safety, stability, and essential services.