Our mission
Our mission is to build a community free from poverty by creating hope, opportunity, and action. We provide essential services, work together to improve our lives, organize for justice, and inspire our community to love, serve, and share.
Meet Natalia!
“When Natalia picked out her backpack, her face lit up. It wasn’t a hand-me-down. It wasn’t chosen for her. It was hers. She held it to her chest and smiled the whole way home. She felt proud. Like she belonged. Like she mattered.”
- Milagros (Natalia’s Mother)
Through Pack-a-Back, Milagros and Natalia found more than school supplies. They found community, dignity, and hope.
Sacred Heart Community Service (SHCS) is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year by California State Assemblymember Ash Kalra (District 25).
“We are honored to receive this award and thank Assemblymember Ash Kalra for recognizing our work to build a community united to ensure every child and adult is free from poverty,” said Poncho Guevarra, Executive Director of Sacred Heart Community Service.
Solidarity Portraits
On March 1st, over 350 community members gathered for the 6th annual Solidarity Summit in San Jose! A day filled with social justice learning, civic engagement, and creative expression.
This year, we teamed up with local photographer Alex Knowbody to create #SolidarityPortraits, capturing the beauty, diversity, and powerful reflections on liberation, joy, and freedom.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and stood together in solidarity!
Volunteer with Sacred Heart Community Service!
Is helping your community on your 2025 mood board? This year, you could be making a REAL difference! Our need for volunteers is greater than ever, and we’re counting on YOU to help families in our community thrive.
Whether you have a few hours to give or want to commit regularly, we offer flexible opportunities to fit your schedule. Together, we can create lasting change.
Join Sacred Heart Community Service today!
-
Donate to SHCS
-
Volunteer at SHCS
-
Our Programs
Become a Member of Sacred Heart
San José
City Council
Report Cards
Our perspective on the performance of Mayor Matt Mahan and the city council on issues that matter to us, and the people we serve and organize.
“Every person we work with can be an instrument for change, can fight for change and push for more resources and policies that protect them. I feel really grateful to see that power and that resilience from so many in our community to make that happen.”