Peacemaking & Justice Advocacy
MATTHEW 25:35–36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
Our Calling
The Peacemaking and Justice Advocate serves the congregations of the Presbytery of San Jose as a resource, connector, and catalyst—equipping the Body of Christ to engage faithfully in Jesus’ commandment to love God and love neighbor. Rooted in the witness of the Gospel, this ministry addresses the intersectional issues of our time, from economic and racial justice to immigration, housing, and care for creation.
The Advocate walks alongside our churches and community partners to share timely resources, lift up opportunities for advocacy, and create meaningful pathways for learning, service, and prayerful action. Through collaboration with congregations, nonprofits, and local leaders across Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties, this ministry strengthens our shared witness to Christ’s peace and God’s justice in the communities we are called to serve.
Pieces on Peace
Read the Peacemaking and Justice Advocate’s regular digest column, Pieces on Peace, for timely reflections, resources, and opportunities for action. Visit the archive →
Resource Guide
Click each section below to explore partner organizations and ways to get involved.
Faith-Based & Multifaith Community Groups
- PACT – People Acting in Community Together (Santa Clara County)
- Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice (Santa Clara County)
- Silicon Valley Allied for the Common Good
- Association of Faith Communities (Santa Cruz)
Caring for Immigrant Neighbors
Rapid Response Networks
Rapid Response Networks are trained to respond to situations involving ICE, Border Patrol, and other enforcement agencies.
- Find your local hotline: CCIJ Rapid Response Directory
- Santa Clara County training: Amigos de Guadalupe
- Santa Cruz training: Your Allied Rapid Response Network & Pajaro Valley Rapid Response
Legal Aid for Immigrants
- Amigos de Guadalupe – Immigration Legal Services
- Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County
- San Benito County Solidarity Network
Accompaniment
Refugee Support
- Immanuel House (San Jose)
Caring for Unhoused Neighbors
- HOPE Village at Westview Presbyterian Church (Watsonville) — operated by Community Action Board. Financial donations to CAB with memo “HOPE Village”; new or gently used clothing and shoes accepted at Westview.
- Bill Wilson Center (Santa Clara) — counseling, housing, and support for children, youth, young adults, and families.
- Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP) (Monterey Bay)
Food Access & Sovereignty
Visit our Hunger Advocate’s page for a full list of food ministry partners and opportunities to serve.
Protecting the Planet & Reducing Human Impact
Promoting Racial Equity & Celebrating Diversity
Partner organizations and resources coming soon. Contact the Peacemaking and Justice Advocate to suggest a partner.
Affirming LGBTQ+ Siblings
Partner organizations and resources coming soon. Contact the Peacemaking and Justice Advocate to suggest a partner.
Get Involved
To partner with the Peacemaking and Justice Advocate, share a resource, or learn about upcoming opportunities, please reach out to veronica@sanjosepby.org.