PACF Appreciates our Frontline Workers Supporting the Unhoused

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Palo Alto Community Fund helped establish the RV Dwellers Group in partnership with representatives from Stanford, local government, nonprofits, and community leaders to support residents living in vehicles along El Camino Real. What began as an emergency response has evolved into an ongoing collaboration of people that meets monthly at Palo Alto City Hall.

Today, the group brings together cross-sector representatives to share information, coordinate resources, and strengthen understanding of the challenges not just faced by RV and vehicle dwellers, but also the unhoused and the organizations that serve them. Together, this group is working toward a shared vision: a Palo Alto where everyone has access to stable, permanent housing and where immediate needs are met with compassion and care.

The RV Dwellers Group has supported several projects that show the power of collaboration. One key effort focused on relocating RV dwellers displaced by the CalTrans pavement project along El Camino Real. In partnership with the City of Palo Alto and Stanford University, MOVE Mountain View led outreach and support for affected residents, helping them navigate new options. PACF provided a grant to MOVE Mountain View to assist with this work, underscoring our commitment to local, collective solutions that create real impact.

Most recently, the group hosted an effort to raise visibility and appreciation for the caseworkers who serve unhoused neighbors. These professionals act as steady bridges between vulnerable residents and vital services, offering compassion, persistence, and advocacy every day. PACF is proud to support and appreciate our area caseworkers, including providing thank-you gift cards as a small gesture of gratitude for their extraordinary service, and to stand alongside partners who are building understanding, fostering collaboration, and advancing solutions rooted in dignity and care.

Pictured: PACF's Board President Becky Beacom and Strategic Operating Manager Judy Kim recognize representatives from LifeMoves, Peninsula Healthcare Connection, and Move Mountain View for their frontline work supporting our unhoused neighbors.