Although Santa Clarita is a beautiful community populated with lovely homes, scenic paseos, and cute shops, a hidden epidemic of poverty is affecting our community’s youth.
You would never know by looking around, but there are 1000 homeless in the SCV’s Hart School District as of 2024. They may not be panhandling on the street or living in tents under freeways. Yet, they have no permanent address, no stability to call their own, and are often underresourced for food, clothing, toiletries, and other basic necessities.
Jess Guidroz was a teacher for ten years. One day he overheard a student mention that he had not eaten in two days. Guidroz was alarmed and sought resources to help this student. Sadly, he discovered there wasn’t much available. Jess started The New Way the next day to help homeless teens in the Hart School District.
The Paseo Club is a Santa Clarita Valley social club offering fitness, swimming, tennis, pickleball, and Pilates classes and facilities. Each month the Paseo Club teams up with nonprofit and charitable organizations around the valley to help support and promote their causes.
In this article, you will learn about the nonprofit The New Way, what services it provides, its next special event, The Wine Walk, and how you can get involved.
Why is homelessness in Santa Clarita a hidden issue?
Most homeless students are not on the streets in plain sight, so people don’t see them. However, there are over 1000 homeless students in just the Hart School District. 99% of the homeless students in the district house-hop week to week, while others double or triple up with multiple families in one house.
What are the primary needs of the students, and how does the New Way help?
The needs of homeless students are diverse, so the New Way has a threefold approach.
Temporary Housing
Many families need temporary housing in the form of hotel or motel stays as an interim solution to homelessness.
Permanent Housing
Homeless students and their families' primary need is finding and affording permanent housing. The New Way helps to provide security deposits, the first and last month’s rent, and money for utilities.
Basic Necessities
Many students need help with basic necessities. These items include school supplies, toiletries, groceries, clothes, and gift cards.
Who does The New Way collaborate with to help the students?
The New Way has a strong rapport with many essential community members and organizations. This helps the New Way become more effective and offer more services.
- City workers
- Private donors
- Social workers
- Board of directors
- Hotels that provide discounted rates to families
- Local employers who hire the parents of homeless teens
What is the New Way’s Wine Walk?
The Wine Walk is a fundraiser hosted at the Paseo Club for Santa Clarita’s homeless students. It will be on Saturday, November 23 from 12 noon to 4 pm.
The highlight of this event is the wine tasting from local wineries Pulchella, Familia Hicks Wines, and Parhelion Cellars. Santa Cruz Brewing will offer local craft beer. However, there are many ways to enjoy yourself at this event.
- 5k walk
- Live music
- Wine and beer tasting
- Food, including barbeque and charcuterie
- Raffle, silent auction, and shopping from local vendors
- Socializing, fun, and much more!
The New Way’s goal is to have 200 people attend the wine Walk and raise $6000. Tickets cost $30 per person, and all proceeds go to students.
How can people support The New Way?
The New Way is a unique nonprofit that services homeless teens in the Hart School District in the Santa Clarita Valley. They are a grassroots organization that is led by former teacher Jess Guidroz and supported by government services, individuals, and local businesses. They are always looking for help and assistance.
There are four ways you can be a part of supporting the New Way and its mission to provide housing and services to homeless teens.
- Volunteer for New Way
- Buy tickets to the Wine Walk
- Donate online or at the Wine Walk
- Share The New Way’s content online @TheNewWay501c3
Supporting the Santa Clarita Community
Jess Guidroz and The New Way are looking out for people who often have little or no voice and whose needs are not currently being met by local social services — homeless teens. Jess has bravely created his nonprofit purely out of a desire to help these teens, many he got to know as a high school teacher.
The Santa Clarita Community is a rich tapestry of caring individuals. During this season of gratitude and celebration, take the opportunity to give to those less fortunate. Join Jess and others just like you to help meet his goal of 200 attendees at the Wine Walk hosted by the Paseo Club on November 23.
The Paseo Club is pleased to partner with Jess and many other essential community charity organizations, such as Dink for Cause, The Michael Hoefflin Organization, The LA County Fire Department, The Mothers Outreach Program, and more.
Become a member of a private club that values health, wellness, and community. Join the Paseo Club! You can play tennis or pickleball, attend a group fitness class, learn Pilates, or just relax by the side of the pool and chat with other members.
The Paseo Club provides several amenities to help you have a great experience. Kids can play at Kids Club while you exercise or relax, the onsite spa provides massage and esthetician services, and the cafe offers up tasty meals, snacks, and drinks.
The Paseo Club is your home away from home. Become a member today.
