ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITY
A message from Robin
Behavioral health touches us all. It impacts every part of our lives. The generational effect on family, friends, and communities is profound.
Nearly one in four people are living with a mental health condition. More than 85,000 died of a drug overdose in 2024. And, in the last two years, Monterey County’s homeless population grew 19% to 2,436. While this data paints a stark picture, there is hope and help, right here. You can help make a life-changing impact with Community Human Services.
For 55 years, CHS has delivered compassionate services for mental health, substance use, and homelessness to over 100,000 people in our community. We are creating a future where high-quality, holistic care is a right, not a privilege, and where everyone can access services without fear or shame.
Our entire community thrives when we support each other. Studies show that every dollar spent on community-based mental health, substance use, and social services saves taxpayers $12. By contributing to Community Human Services you are helping people in need access quality care and building a brighter, healthier tomorrow – for everyone.
Your generosity makes a world of difference. Thank you.
Robin McCrae Chief Executive Officer
Community Human Services is proudly dedicated to providing high-quality mental health, substance use, and homeless services to Monterey County residents to help them reach their full potential. Recognizing that mental health, substance use, and homelessness often intersect, we take a holistic approach to providing whole-person care to our clients.
Our confidential services employ evidence-based, traumaInformed practices and are offered at no or low cost in English and Spanish by compassionate, professional staff. Our work not only improves the lives of our clients, but also has a ripple effect on families, schools, workplaces, hospitals, law enforcement, and the community in general, saving heartache, lives, and money.
Mission
Community Human Services offers people experiencing mental health issues, substance use disorders, and homelessness the tools and support to overcome these challenges and create lasting change in their lives.
Vision
A community free of substance abuse, mental health challenges, and housing instability.
Substance Use
• Genesis House
• Elm House
• Sonoma House
• Off Main Clinic
• Outpatient Treatment Centers
• Drug and Alcohol Intervention Services for Youth (DAISY)
• Substance Use Prevention Program (SUPP)
Mental Health
• Family Service Centers
• Pathways to Safety
• Parent Education Program
• Domestic Violence Intervention Program
• Supervised Visitation Program
• Outpatient Mental Health Counseling
Homelessness
• Casa de Noche Buena
• Shuman HeartHouse
• The SHARE Center
• Safe Place Monterey
• Safe Place Salinas
• Safe Passage Transitional Supportive Housing Program
• Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley Street Outreach Programs
People Served by Region
• Salinas
• Spreckels
Monterey Peninsula
• Big Sur
• Carmel
• Carmel Valley
• Del Rey Oaks
• Marina
• Monterey
• Pacific Grove
• Seaside
• Sand City
South County
• Bradley
• Chualar
• Gonzales
• Greenfield
• Jolon
• King City
• Lockwood
• San Ardo
• San Lucas
• Soledad
North County
• Aromas
• Castroville
• Moss Landing
• Prunedale
• Watsonville
Total Served Salinas
4,670
Community Impact
HOMELESS SERVICES
Community Human Services provides a continuum of housing and case management services to youth, women, men, and families experiencing homelessness in our community.
From street outreach, emergency shelter, and transitional housing to housing navigation services and financial assistance for rapid rehousing, our homeless programs are designed to help people secure permanent housing. We opened Safe Place Salinas, our new Housing Navigation Center for youth, in July 2024, and in September we assumed operations of the SHARE Center shelter in Salinas. Youth Served Total Individuals Served 183 333
Angel’s Story
Angel’s life took a sharp turn at age 19 when her mother passed away unexpectedly and she was left without a home. With nowhere to turn, she moved into her car then, eventually, a tent that she shared with her aunt. “I got a lot of hope from other outreach workers,” Angel says, “but nothing ever went through.”
Things began to change for Angel when she connected with our street outreach counselors. With their help, Angel got back on her medication, a decision she calls her turning point. “It helped a lot. It got me out of the funk I was in and helped me want to do more for myself,” she reflects. Slowly, she learned to trust Community Human Services and our outreach team’s commitment to her well-being.
With help from our Housing Navigator and continued support from our outreach team, Angel moved into her own apartment in July 2024, a milestone she once thought was impossible. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and an example of the profound, lifechanging impact of CHS’s programs.
Flanked by street outreach counselors, Angel proudly holds the key to her new apartment.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Our Family Service Centers provide a variety of mental health and family safety-net services to Monterey County’s most vulnerable residents.
Programs include outpatient mental health counseling, parenting education classes, domestic violence/anger management intervention groups, supervised visitation and exchanges, and supportive services for families at risk of entering the child welfare system.
Total Individuals Served 999
Skylar’s Story
Skylar’s mother was a young college student when she made the painful decision to place him for adoption. “She loved me so much that she wanted to give me a better life than she could,” Skylar reflects.
Life with his adoptive family was far from easy. He faced significant challenges, including trauma from his adoptive mother’s alcoholism and his parents’ divorce. Skylar struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts from an early age. “I’ve had suicidal thoughts since I was nine,” he shared, recalling the darkness that shaped much of his childhood.
Real change came when he reached out to his father for help and started therapy. “I told my dad I wanted to see a therapist because I was hella suicidal,” Skylar candidly admitted. With support from his primary care doctor, he connected with our Family Service Center’s outpatient mental health program—a turning point in his life.
Skylar speaks warmly of his experience there, calling it transformative. “The staff and therapists are great,” he says, crediting their support for helping him through his darkest moments, including hospitalization. Therapy provided stability and a renewed sense of hope.
Now, Skylar encourages others to seek the same support he found at CHS. “It’s like a family over there—so welcoming,” he says, emphasizing the center’s inclusive environment. To those struggling, he offers reassurance. “You will find good people there; they will be there for you.”
Skylar’s story is one of courage and transformation, showing how therapy and support can make all the difference.
Skylar and his father at our Annual Luncheon.
SUBSTANCE USE SERVICES
CHS offers a comprehensive range of substance use programs, including prevention and intervention services for at-risk youth and outpatient and residential treatment for adults with substance use disorders.
These services include medication-assisted treatment and a specialized program for pregnant and parenting women. Additionally, our harm reduction initiatives and Narcan distribution efforts have saved many lives. Looking ahead, we plan to open a new adolescent outpatient treatment program in Monterey in the spring of 2025.
3,338
Total Individuals Served
1,769
Youth Served
Allie’s Story
Allison’s journey is one of resilience, healing, and hope. Growing up in a family deeply affected by mental health and substance use, Allison began struggling with drugs and alcohol at just 12 years old, following the example set by her parents who were fighting their own battles. Her teenage years were marked by instability, trauma, and run-ins with the law, leading to her first treatment episode for addiction at age 15. While there were brief periods of stability, her world continued to spiral. As she entered adulthood, the loss of her mother—a complex but deeply loved figure—shattered Allison and reignited her addiction. For years, she fought with the belief that she could control her substance use, but the drugs gradually overtook her life, deteriorating both her body and mind.
At 35, with her health and hope fading, Allison made the courageous decision to ask for help. With the support of her family and the compassionate treatment teams at our Outpatient Treatment Center, she found the strength to break free from the chains of addiction. Through medication-assisted detoxification, outpatient drug treatment, accountability, and a deep commitment to her recovery, Allison has transformed her life.
Alison at work with her buddy, Max.
WORKING TO SAVE YOUNG LIVES IN THE SALINAS VALLEY
Our Salinas Valley Street Outreach Program collaborates closely with our new Housing Navigation Center in Salinas to support transition-age youth, ages 18–24, who are experiencing homelessness. Together, we help these young individuals get back on track and secure stable housing. Our street outreach workers canvass the entire Salinas Valley—from North County to South County—providing food, water, clothing, hygiene and first aid supplies, sanitary products, and information on available community services. They also guide youth to the Navigation Center, where our Housing Navigator offers housing services and rapid rehousing financial assistance, covering rent, deposits, application fees, moving expenses, and more.
The Youth Navigation Center, Safe Place Salinas, provides a safe and warm space for respite from the elements. It includes a fully stocked kitchen for light meals and snacks, computer and internet access for housing and job searches, and a caring staff ready to lend an ear and offer support.
CHS opened Safe Place Salinas, a housing navigation center for youth experiencing homelessness, in July 2024. Safe Place provides case management, food, clothing, computer and internet access, and other essential services and serves as a hub for the Salinas Valley Street Outreach Program. These programs work hand-in-hand to connect unhoused youth ages 18–24 with housing and employment, and offer life-changing supports.
Safe Place SHARE Center
In July 2024, CHS was awarded a contract by the City of Salinas and County of Monterey to operate the SHARE Center in Salinas and assumed shelter operations in September.
This 100-bed shelter for men, women, and families experiencing homelessness provides housing navigation, case management, employment assistance, linkages to public benefits, and referrals to community services. An on-site clinic provides wound care, chronic health advice, general care for adults and children, limited medication, and immunizations. CHS partners with Dorothy’s Place and Victory Mission in this program.
NARCAN A LIFELINE FOR
MONTEREY COUNTY
The opioid crisis, driven by the widespread availability of fentanyl, has become a significant concern in Monterey County. In August 2024, the Salinas Valley Street Outreach Team helped save a young man’s life during an opioid overdose by administering NARCAN and performing CPR.
Every program we offer is equipped with Narcan and our staff is extensively trained in its use—a tool we unfortunately, but often, rely on in our outreach and treatment efforts. These life-saving actions highlight the commitment of our dedicated team, who work to protect and preserve lives in our community.
Community Outreach
1. DAISY counselor hands out CHS swag to youth at a school resource fair in Seaside.
3. SUPP counselor shares mental health resources with students at Rancho San Juan High School.
4. Mental health clinicians share resources at the Salinas Valley Pride Parade.
2. Farmworkers receive mental health resources in partnership with La Preciosa Radio station.
Community Support
1. CHS was selected by Dawn Gallante to be Dawn’s Dream Winery’s 2024 nonprofit. Benefits included the proceeds from their Guest Bartender event, a beautiful painting donated by local artist Diane Danvers, and two cases of wine to use in our fundraising efforts.
3. CHS received the “True Inspiration Award” and a grant of $225,000 from Chick-fil-A for outstanding work in serving the homeless community.
2. CHS was honored by the Monterey County Business Council for innovation at Shuman HeartHouse.
4. CHS was chosen to receive grants by young philanthropists at Stevenson School and Carmel Middle School. The Partners in Community Service program at CMS is sponsored by Carmel Valley Rotary.
Community Events
1. ANNUAL LUNCHEON: CHS celebrated 55 years of service to the community at its Annual Luncheon. Honored that day were Supervisor Mary Adams and Senator Anna Caballero, for their ongoing support of CHS and the behavioral health of Monterey County residents.
3. A PARTY WITH HEART: Deborah Mall and Deborah Reitz hosted a party at their home in Pebble Beach to thank donors and benefit CHS’s homeless programs. Mark Shuman was recognized for his family’s donation that enabled us to establish Shuman HeartHouse.
2. MENDING CLOTHES, MENDING HEARTS: Local Monterey businesses Slowfiber and the Pearl Works invited the community to a class to learn how to mend and upcycle clothing with proceeds benefitting our homeless programs.
4. SOLVING HOMELESSNESS: Sara Rubin, editor of the Monterey County Weekly, moderated a community conversation featuring the County of Monterey’s Homeless Services Director, Roxanne Wilson, and the City of Monterey’s Community Development Director, Anastacia Wyatt. The event commemorated the 3rd anniversary of Casa de Noche Buena.
5. WOMEN’S BALL: Over 100 people danced the night away at the Women’s Ball at the Carmel Women’s Club to raise money for Casa de Noche Buena. Dawn Gallante was presented with a Caring Heart award and event founders Deborah Smith and Evadna Clemmons were honored for their contributions supporting women experiencing homelessness.
2024 DONORS
$100,000+
Chick-Fil-A
City of Monterey
City of Pacific Grove
City of Seaside
Dewitt Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County
The Manitou Fund
$25,000 - $99,999
Anonymous Donors
Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH)
Harden Foundation
Interfaith Outreach of Carmel (IOC)
Kaiser Permanente
Mark & Adriana Shuman
Monterey Peninsula Foundation (MPF)
The Berkshire Foundation
The Fund for Homeless Women of the CFMC
United Way Monterey County
$10,000 - $24,999
Barbara Schilling & Richard Carr
Coastal Roots Hospitality
Ernie & Gunde Posey
Laurelie & J. Irvine Fund of CFMC
Nancy Buck Ransom Foundation
Paula Robichaud
Rayne Technology Solutions, Inc.
Sunlight Giving
William & Nancy Doolittle
Yellow Brick Road
$2,500 - $9,999
Anne Jones
Anne Washburn
Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund
Carmel by the Sea Rotary Club
City of Del Rey Oaks
Community Foundation for Monterey County
Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula (Montage Health)
David & Amy Stocker
Ellen & Dave DeSimone
Fidelity Charitable for the Bhusri Family
Gordon Schacher
Lowell & Wilda Northrop
Maureen Bradford Fund of the CFMC
Monterey County Gives
Najma Noorani
Pacific Grove Women’s Golf Club
Pebble Beach Company Foundation
Peter & Maria Roden
Pinnacle Bank
PlusOne
Robert & Florence Slinger Fund of the CFMC
Stevenson School Philanthropy Project
Thomas & Carolyn McGurn
$1,000 - $2,499
Barbara Shilling & Richard Carr
Bay and Basin Insurance Services
Carmel Gives Fund of the CFMC
Carmel Realty Foundation
Comcast Corporation
David & Sheila Allaire
Doug Paul
Edgar Castellanos
Fidelity Charitable for the Soo Giving Fund
First Presbyterian Church of Monterey
Frances Gaver
Gloria Fund of the CFMC
Hansen & Amy Reed
Hastie Financial Group
Hiromi Owaza-Miller & Michael Miller
Ian Oglesby
Jay & Kip Hudson
Jeff & Dany Langham
Jim Wunderlich
Junior League of Monterey County
Karen Kadushin
Kathy Antle
Kay & Jean Rigg
Marcia Parsons
Mildred Hitchcock Huff Fund
Nico Enea
Pallet PBC
Peggy Downes Baskin Fund for Women’s Re-entry of the CFMC
Robert & Jeannine Cole
Robert Ingram
Rotary Club of Carmel Valley
Steven & Ann Packer
Steven Wade & Karen Judkins
Susan Hagen
Thomas Goldsmith
Tim Louis
Tracy Gibbons Charitable Fund of the CFMC
Virginia E. Howard
$500 - $999
Afshon Ostovar
Alisa Boehme
Alora Daunt
Alta Bakery & Cafe
Andrew Aguiniga
Anne Fitzpatrick
Barbara Paul & Tom LaFaille
Bonnie Overgaard
Brian & Robin McCrae
Cannery Row Company
Carmel Woman’s Club
City of Sand City
ColeBreit Engineering
Curt & Lori Parker
Dawn’s Dream Winery
Dorothy Dickson
George Scarmon
Jack & Linda Barker
Jacqueline Canterbury
Janet Hernandez Barajas
Jeannie Conner
Jim & Dee Steiner
Judith MacClelland
Konny Murray & Dave Buckingham
Lawrence & Carleton Mowell Fund of the CFMC
Loren & Annette Steck
Margaret Sirtak
Marjorie Bullock
Mary Adams
Megan Whilden
Michael Scutari
MVP Insurance
Olvis & Morris Trust
Peter Hiller & Celeste Williams
Phyllis E. Hubbard
Shawn & Carol Leonard
Yvonne Juarez
$100 - $499
Alan and Arlene Haffa
Alice Flores
Amanda Ascura
Anab Mohamed
Andrew Corse
Anne & Bob Herendeen
Anne-Marie Rosen
Ann V. Bispo
Anton Prange
Barbara & Douglas Thomas
Barbara J. Meislin
Barbara Ricciardi
Benny & Rosie Angulo
Bennie & Margaret Cooper
Bonnie Lockwood
Brian & Barbara Robinson
Brian Emkjer
Bruce & Lauren Haase
Carol Ann Eason
Carol Dobberpuhl
Catholic Daughters of the Americas
Cath Tendler
Cathey Edwards
Christine Kregg
Chuck Des Roches
Columbia Sportswear
Community Dinner Organization
Craig Holdren
Daniel O’Brien & An McDowell
Dave Pacheco
David Blackburn
David & Rosann Wachtel
Deb Mall & Deborah Reitz
Deborah Aitchison
Deitra Steiner
Democratic Women of Monterey County
Diane & Denny Paul
Diane Creasey
Diana Case-Gurtin & River Gurtin
Donna Ferraro
Donna Vasu
Edward Milowicki
Elizabeth Lindsey
Ernie & Kathy Long
Faith Lutheran Church
Florence Speck
Fran Baskin
Steve & Linda Fulmer
Gary and Judith Simon
Geoff & Claudia Kostyshak
Geoffry Arnold
Gerrie Mejia
Greg Netzorg
Heidi Quinn
Helen M. Plummer
Helen Staten
Ibis Schlesinger
Jacki Horton
Jacqueline Canterbury
Janice & Jeffrey Hawkins
Jeanne & Edward Gavrin
Jeff & Maria Doyle
Jennifer Marler
Jennifer McNary
Jeremy Hallock
Jerilyn Smith-Crivello
Jill Movahedi
Joan & Robert Achermann
John Hain & Jennifer Allen
John Newcomb
John & Eve Duddy
Judy Edmonds
Justina Walsh
Karen Grishaber
Karen Kelley
Katherine Stoner & Michelle Welsh
Kathrine Merren
Kate Daniels Kurz
Kevan Clarke
Larry & Lane Hayes
Leigh Toldi
Lenore Perez
Leslie Oliver
Linda Frederiksen
Linda Hanel
Linda Lee
Linda Scholink
Lisa Szuch
Lori McDonnell
Lynn Lozier
Manjit Sidhu
Marcie Galindo
Maritza Ravelo
Margaret Sirtak
Marjory L. Lord
Marti Myszak
Marvin Biasotti & Ann Hudaceck
Mary Adams
Mary Hatfield
Mary Walker
Maryanne Nola
Matthew & Charlene Schuss
Michael Masino
Michael Scutari
Mimi Sheridan
Mike Ventimiglia
Monterey Civic Club
Monterey County Peace Officers Association
MVP Insurance
Mylo & Charlene Lowery
Nancy Amadeo
Nancy & Michael Cook
Nancy Carroll
Nadine Semer
Nicola Long
Olvis & Morris Trust
Pat Lintell
Paul Davis Partnership LLP
Peggy Burnside
Donors Cont.
Peter & Louise Berry
Phillip Butler & Barbara Baldock
Rebecca Crowley
Robert & Maria O’Farrell
Robert Frederick
Robert Prater
Rob Horton
Ron & Marian Wormser
Sandy Nunnally
Sandy Rader
Shannon Kirby
Sharon Crescente
Sharon Dwight
Stacia Sambar
Stephen Hoch & Judith Tschirgi
Steven & Sona Dennis
Sue M. Lennox
Sylvia Shih
Teri Wissler Adam & Andre Adam
The Orser Living Trust
Thomas & Judith Wills
Thomas & Mary McCary
Thomas Pelikan Ph.D.
Todd & Kim Muck
Valerie Gagon-Smith
Warren Paboojan
Wayne & Linda Cruzan
Wayne & Maureen Lavengood
Wendy Loew-Mari
Whitney Gravel
$99 and Under
Alana Myles
Amy Sands & Eileen Nazzaro
Anna & Ed Lowery
Anne Wheelis
Barbara Dickason
Barbara Mitchell & Thurman Pardue
Bettye Lusk
Bob Sadler
Brian & Melva Simmons
Bruce Weingarten
Careen Caputo
Carole Erickson
Carolyn Perez & Louis Perez
Charlotte A. Noyes
Cheryl Carter
Cheryl Plaskett
Christopher Long
Craig & Ginger Pierce
Dana Cleary
David Awerbuck
David Lesikar
Doris “Dee” Drost
Eleanor Contreras
Flo Miller
Francesca Dugan
Fred & Phyllis Meurer
Gabby Schlesinger-James
Gerald L. Klarsfeld
Gina Cold
Gino Garcia
Grace Thomson
Helen Marlene Kasting
Inez Ackerman
Jack & Terrill Sheldahl
Jackie Frey
James Beaulieu
Jamie Sue Brooks
Jan Fernandez
Jean Lovell
Jennifer Kuyper
Jennifer Luis Osorio
Jennifer Williams & John Carpenter
Jessie Swift
Jill & Ken Allen
Josh Plant & Sarah Hardgrave
Julia Bernardi
Karen Baymiller
Karen Brown
Karen Ferlito
Kathleen Baker
Laurel Marino
Leslie Simon
Lisa Griffin Burns
Lynsey Ferreira
Marcela Ruiz
Mary Lou Shockley
Mary Noke
Michael Peterson
Michele Neuhaus
Nancy Delgado
Nancy Pond Caldwell
NeddaJoy Lentini
Neil Richman
Orlando Lorenzo
Patricia Fashing & Kurt Brux
Patricia Lopez
Patricia Zamora
Patricia Zehna
Peggy Hansen
Rafael Terrazas
Regena Lauterbach
Ricardo Diaz Jr.
Richard & Jane Lundy
Rob & Serena Rapp
Robert & Patricia Coble
Sally Moore
Sandra Kandell
Santa Catalina School
Sara & Casey Boyns
Sarah Baker
Sheila Benson
Stephanie Lee
Susan Ditzler
Suzanne Kroeze
Teresa Garcia
Theresa Flanders
Tina & Cecilia Lopez
Tony Joseph Amarante
Yesenia Velarde
Zooey Lober
We would like to thank our County partners, the Behavioral Health, Social Services and Probation Departments, for their ongoing partnership and collaboration.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our donor lists. Please accept our apologies if we are in error, and let us know so we may adjust our records.
FINANCIAL TABLE
July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024
Revenues
LEADERSHIP
Community Human Services is both a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and Joint Powers Authority that partners with 16 cities and school districts in Monterey County. Each city and school district appoints a representative to the Board of Directors and makes an annual financial contribution to CHS. In fiscal year 2023-24, JPA members contributed a total of $249,000.
Management
Robin McCrae
Chief Executive Officer
Shawn Stone
Chief Operating Officer
Tim Louis
Chief Financial Officer
Marta Sullivan
Senior Program Officer, Substance Use Services
Evangelina Ochoa
Senior Program Officer, Homeless Services
Amy Miller
Human Resources Director
Rosie Angulo
Executive Assistant
Anab Mohamed
Grants Manager
Jeannine Woerz Cole
Donor Relations Manager
Gabriella Schlesinger-James
Communications Manager
JPA Members
City of Carmel
Jeff Baron
City of Del Rey Oaks
Jeremy Hallock
City of Marina
Brian McCarthy
City of Monterey
Alan Haffa
City of Pacific Grove
Lori McDonnell
City of Salinas
Anthony Rocha
City of Sand City
Mary Ann Carbone, Chair
City of Seaside
Alexis Garcia-Arrazola
Donor Thanks
Carmel Unified School District
Anne-Marie Rosen
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
Dr. Bettye Lusk
Pacific Grove Unified School District
Jennifer McNary
Monterey Peninsula Community College District
Loren Steck, Vice Chair
North Monterey County Unified School District
Ricardo Diaz, Jr.
Monterey County Office of Education
Annette Yee Steck, Finance Comm. Chair
Santa Rita Union School District
Jacob Sandoval
Salinas Union High School District
Michael Urquides
Community Human Services is fortunate to have committed, compassionate employees who are dedicated to helping members of our community reach their true potential year-round.
