JOIN THE MOVEMENT LEARN MORE Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos is dedicated to promoting peace, social justice, and community development by providing culturally relevant programs and services that address systemic inequities and empower youth and families to realize their sacred purpose. OUR MISSION BE A CHANGE MAKER DONATE HERE Our organization relies heavily on support from our community donors.
Every dollar makes a difference. Thank you for your support. SUPPORT OUR WORK LEARN MORE INSTITUTE OF PEACE & SANTA CRUZ BARRIOS UNIDOS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

We guide youth in realizing their sacred purpose as leaders. We develop youth through vocational training, mentorship, education, cultural practices, ceremony, advocacy, mutual aid, and internships.

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CIVIC LEADERSHIP & RACIAL EQUITY

We fight for justice through advocacy, policy reform, direct action, restorative justice, and education. We believe that the people directly affected by violence should be at the front lines of social change.

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CULTURE, SPIRITUALITY & HEALING

Our elders, staff, and leaders guide community members in getting in touch with their roots. We hold true to our indigenous, chicano roots while providing a safe multicultural space for all to participate in their ancestral traditions.

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HEALTH EQUITY & WELLBEING

We are a health institution that provides holistic well-being through culturally rooted and accessible care including; medi-cal connections, certified SUD counseling and treatment, rapid response with essential medical supplies, linkage to recovery resources, Indigenous-based health practices & traditional healing.

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INSTITUTE OF PEACE & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Looking towards the next 45 years, Barrios Unidos is planting the seeds
for the next generation of leaders. Barrios Unidos plans to redevelop their 1817 Soquel Avenue headquarters into an Institute of Peace & Community Development. Redevelopment will enable current programs to serve the community in improved facilities, facilitate the expansion of new services, and provide supportive housing to meet a critical need within Santa Cruz.

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NOTICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING

VIDEO ON INSTITUTE OF PEACE & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

BARRIOS UNIDOS GALLERY

Since 1977, Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos (SCBU) set out to heal our communities, build sustainable peace and end interpersonal, community and structural violence.

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BARRIOS UNIDOS EVENTS

Join us in celebrating community at one of our events.

Cesar Chavez Birthday

CESAR CHAVEZ BIRTHDAY

March 29th, 12-6pm. Join us for a celebration commemorating Cesar Chavez with lowriders, food, dancers and live music.
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Harry Belafonte's Birthday

HARRY BELAFONTE'S BIRTHDAY

In honor of Black History Month, celebrate Harry Belafonte's Birthday with us. Jack Bowers & Friends featuring Gina Rene and other special guests.
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3rd Annual Community Voices Event - UCSC Community Archiving Program

COMMUNITY VOICES EVENT

Join us for a presentation and conversation with Founder & ED: Daniel ``Nane`` Alejandrez on Thursday February 20, 2025 from 6-7:30pm.
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EXPLORE ALL BU EVENTS
10000+

COMMUNITY SERVED THROUGH FOOD PANTRY IN 2024

1500+

YOUTH SERVED IN 2024

130

INDIVIDUALS COMPLETED OUR REENTRY PROGRAM IN 2024

125

INCARCERATED INDIVIDUALS COMPLETED IN-PRISON CLASSES IN 2024

TESTIMONIALS

Santa Cruz Barrios Unidos is grateful for our community volunteers and supporters.

“When I go to Santa Cruz, one of my greatest joys is visiting the Barrios Unidos headquarters and their retreat center in the Santa Cruz mountains”
DANNY GLOVER
ACTIVIST & AWARD WINNING ACTOR/PRODUCER
“Barrios unidos is a breeding ground for leaders, a lot of us who have gone to do work around the world have come out of Barrios Unidos”
CARMEN PEREZ
CEO OF THE GATHERING FOR JUSTICE

DRIVING OUR IMPACT

THANKS TO GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM OUR FOUNDATION & GRANT PARTNERS