About SCS

Founded in 1970, Sunnyvale Community Services (SCS) is an independent, nonprofit emergency assistance agency in the heart of Silicon Valley. SCS’s mission is to prevent homelessness and hunger in our local community. SCS is designated as one of seven Emergency Assistance Network (EAN) agencies who together are the safety net for all zip codes in Santa Clara County. Our agency assists residents in all zip codes in Sunnyvale and the neighboring Alviso community in San Jose, as well as homeless persons throughout Santa Clara County.

The goal of SCS is that all residents are safely and stably housed with food on the table, and with access to medical care and services. SCS addresses immediate critical needs to help low-income families and seniors who are often one bill away from hunger and homelessness. Over 2,500 community volunteers enable SCS to keep our costs low. SCS serves every eligible client who comes for help, never turning anyone away due to lack of resources, even though that has become increasingly challenging with the growing need.

SCS assists low-income individuals with financial assistance for rent, security deposits, utility bills, car repairs, and gift cards for critical family needs. Our efficient professional staff responds within 24-48 hours when a client is facing eviction, supplying emergency food and referrals and treating their financial emergencies effectively.

In addition to financial aid, SCS distributes over 900 tons of nutritious food and produce year-round, including donations from Second Harvest of Silicon Valley as well as purchased healthy foods including milk and cereal. Food distribution programs include Produce Days, Monthly Food Distributions for families and seniors, Children's Summer Nutrition Program, and more.

In recent years, SCS has built a strong foundation in comprehensive case management, health and wellness programs, work experience programs for homeless individuals, and dozens of cross-agency partnerships. The organization’s Board and staff work together to innovate and measure what works to help low-income persons stabilize and move to health and prosperity.