SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The City of Santa Cruz in partnership with the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz will host the eighth annual Parking for Hope downtown holiday parking program from Sunday, Dec. 18, through Sunday, Dec. 25. The proceeds from street meters during these eight days will be donated to Hope Services, a local nonprofit, while the usual parking rates will apply.

Hope Services has helped to keep Pacific Avenue and other downtown Santa Cruz streets clean for 24 years while providing training and support services to adults with developmental disabilities.

The nonprofit’s Downtown Litter Abatement Crew employs five part-time workers including Mark who has worked for Hope Services since 2006. Mark said, “I like helping people with heavy bags, pushing the cart, and picking up the leaves is very important.”

Another member of the crew, Cassie, said, “My job is very important, seeing everyone around and making money.”

To date, Parking for Hope has generated a total of $218,507 in funds that support wages for the Downtown Litter Abatement Crew at Hope Services. Hope Services would like to increase crew member working hours in 2023 which is dependent on the Parking for Hope contribution level.

As of Dec. 16, all downtown street parking meters will be posted with placards describing the Parking for Hope program.

For the eighth consecutive year, Parkmobile pay-by-phone parking fees of 35 cents per transaction will also be donated as part of the contribution to Hope Services for the eight program days.

More City of Santa Cruz parking information is available at www.cityofsantacruz.com/parkingservices.