In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a social service that allows people who need long-term care to receive it in the comfort and safety of their own homes. In Santa Clara County, over 36,000 IHSS workers provide long-term care services (including household work, personal care services, and paramedical services) to older adults and people with disabilities.

Click here to learn more about the essential long-term care IHSS workers provide.

In our last union contract, we won a path to beyond $20 an hour for Santa Clara home care workers, which became the second highest IHSS wage in the state of California at the time. 

But since then, our current wage has been outpaced by the rising cost of living. Santa Clara’s home care providers currently earn $20.04 an hour, but the living wage for one adult without children in the county is $35.44. Without IHSS workers, our neighbors who receive services through IHSS would lose access to essential long-term care.

We’re getting ready to start bargaining for a new contract that increases wages and improves benefits for workers and guarantees equitable access to long-term care for all who need it in our community.

Campaign Update 12: April 14, 2026

Santa Clara IHSS providers and recipients returned to the Board of Supervisors to demand investment in the future of care and ensure a strong contract for essential healthcare workers.

When Hannah Leonard was asked to care for her aging grandparents, including her grandmother with dementia, she left her job and stepped in to perform this crucial work. A family provider was the only feasible option. “I am the perfect person to care for them because not only is it far too expensive to hire an in-home care worker, my grandmother does not like having an unfamiliar person in the house,” she told the Board.

Younger than the typical IHSS provider, Hannah said the Board must do what is necessary to attract passionate care workers to the field. “Young people who love caring for others should be incentivized to join this industry and do this essential work,” she said. “The only way that can happen is with a strong union contract.”

IHSS recipient Amanda Serrano praised the IHSS program for offering her the dignity of personal care from a family provider. “IHSS allows me to stay at home and receive care from someone who truly knows me,” she said. “In an institution, care is often stretched thin and impersonal. At home, I am treated with dignity, patience, and compassion.“

With the cost of living higher than ever, IHSS provider Leslie Sexton said a strong contract is the only means of survival for essential in-home providers. “In addition to a livable wage,” she said, “our caregivers also need decent health benefits so they can be well enough to care for the people who rely on them.”

See more public comments from SEIU 2015 members below.

Campaign Update 11: March 10, 2026

With contract negotiations entering their second year, Santa Clara home care workers returned to the Board of Supervisors to demand a contract that can meet their families’ needs. Several care recipients took to the mic to express their gratitude for the IHSS program, arguing that it must be strengthened with a fair contract for essential care providers.

Provider Leslie Kolman said she joined IHSS after caring for her late mother and realizing she had a passion for helping people. She said she has taken on four clients, working weekends and days as long as 12 hours, just to afford living in the county. “We are all working long hours and sacrificing time with our own families just to make ends meet,” she told the Board.

Kolman’s care recipient, Jocelyn, took to the podium to express her gratitude for the program. “IHSS has helped me more than words can speak,” Jocelyn said. “They’ve allowed me to live in my own apartment, teaching me how to cook my own dinners, and allowing me to be more independent.”

Care recipient Francisco Franco said having his wife serve as his IHSS provider rescued the family from financial ruin. “My wife being able to take care of me and get paid has been so helpful,” he said. “We’ve been able to get off assistance.”

However, a new IHSS contract must offset the rising cost of living and tough economy, he argued, which has tipped his family’s finances toward instability. “With everything going up in price, we’ve taken two steps back,” he said. “It’s very hard for families like ours. We get back up and then fall behind again.”

See more remarks from SEIU 2015 members, officers, and allies below.

Campaign Update 10: February 24, 2026

Santa Clara County home care workers showed up strong to call on the Board of Supervisors to reach a fair contract. SEIU 2015 members stood shoulder to shoulder with union siblings from the California Fast Food Workers Union, SEIU Local 1021, and SEIU Local 521 in a powerful show of solidarity.

Workers across industries bravely shared their stories during public comment, urging the Supervisors to stand with essential workers and do what’s right.

Beatrice Walton, a new IHSS provider since December, shared that she has not been paid yet due to paperwork delays and is in the process of eviction.

“IHSS was created to ensure people can live with dignity and safety in their communities,” she says. “However, when providers are financially unstable, that dignity and stability are at risk.”

Jennifer Del Bono, a provider who cares for her sister who is mentally disabled and blind, addresses the Board of Supervisors: “I urge the board to work with us for a fair agreement as investing in IHSS is an investment in families, dignity, community stability, and responsible governance.”

Following our collective demands being heard, Jose Abastida from SEIU 1021 concluded public comment with a unity clap, after which all unions walked out of the chambers together to demand respect.

Workers deserve dignity, recognition, and contracts that reflect the vital care and services we provide. When we stand together, we build real power.

See more of our members delivering public comments:

Campaign Update 9: February 10, 2026

Returning to the chambers of the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors, IHSS providers took the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday as an opportunity to remind county leadership why they love the IHSS program.

Each speaker addressed a member of the Board, arguing that higher wages for providers would expand the program’s many benefits.

Guadalupe Ruiz told District 1 Supervisor Sylvia Arenas that she loved IHSS because it protects the health of the Latino community, which a recent county-sponsored health assessment had found was facing poor outcomes relative to other populations. “We need to address these by ensuring the long-term stability of our care system,” Guadalupe said.

IHSS provider Cerferina Fernandez told District 3 Supervisor Otto Lee that she loved the IHSS program because it represented Santa Clara values, like the protection of immigrant communities. “But the Trump administration clearly does not care about the well-being of immigrants,” she said, citing the enormous cuts to Medicaid in the federal H.R. 1 budget bill.

“You and the rest of the Board can do something heroic,” she said. “You can make sure that the IHSS program can continue to meet our needs. You can fight back and not let Republicans determine our priorities.”

And Natascha Walker addressed county CEO James R. Williams: “Our county leadership should be receiving regular, unsolicited, updated information about tax revenues in order to make informed decisions,” she said.

“My team at SEIU 2015 is certain that there are budget solutions to the issues we are presenting at the bargaining table,” she added. “We have to work together to ensure our caregivers can pay their bills and we can bring in more IHSS providers. In order to do that, we need creative solutions, not flat wages.”

See more videos of public comments from SEIU 2015 members below:

Campaign Update 8: January 27, 2026

Santa Clara IHSS providers voiced their dissatisfaction with the Board of Supervisors at their recent meeting. Recent negotiations have not brought the strong wage and healthcare proposals necessary to attract new providers and bring economic security to existing ones.

“It is difficult for us to find providers and it’s going to become more difficult with your current wage offer,” said Natascha Walker, a family care provider and member of the IHSS Advisory Board. She said the Advisory Board was yet to receive response from the county to a letter the group sent in September of last year.

Patricia Mora cares for her sister with Parkinson’s disease, and told the Board that the current wage is not enough. “We have a very urgent need,” she told the Board. “We know that living here is more expensive than anywhere else, and my family needs support.”

See more comments from SEIU 2015 members below:

Campaign Update 7: November 19, 2025

Santa Clara IHSS workers packed the Board of Supervisors meeting to demand the County negotiate with transparency and good faith. Providers urgently require higher wages and dependable healthcare, which are essential for sustaining the quality of care they provide to their recipients.

Several members spoke about the importance of securing a fair contract. “When wages are cut or don’t keep up with the rising cost of living, it doesn’t just affect the numbers on a budget sheet. It affects real people,” says Ruchir Pandit, an IHSS provider for his son. “It affects the quality of the care children like mine receive.”

Jack McGovern, Political Director of South Bay Labor Council, also expressed solidarity with IHSS workers: “When workers can afford to live in the communities they serve, the quality, and continuity of care improves for everyone.”

Campaign Update 6: October 21, 2025

In Santa Clara, home care workers rallied outside the Board of Supervisors chambers, calling on county leaders to negotiate a fair contract that recognizes the critical work they do.

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers across California participated in a statewide day of action to spotlight the urgent need for fair wages and dignity for the state’s essential home care workforce. Santa Clara is one of four counties in California—alongside Solano, Lake, and Trinity—where IHSS contract negotiations remain unresolved.

In Santa Clara, home care workers rallied outside the Board of Supervisors chambers, calling on county leaders to negotiate a fair contract that recognizes the critical work they do.

Many families in the county, including those of care workers, are struggling to afford basic necessities. IHSS provider Patricia Hernandez shared about the financial strain her family faces. “My family is constantly worried that we won’t be able to pay for basic expenses. It causes us a lot of stress.”

Inside the chambers, Cerferina Fernandez, an home care provider for her son with disabilities, spoke about the vital importance of the IHSS program. “This program is so wonderful because it benefits everyone involved,” she told the board. “It keeps people in their homes instead of expensive facilities. The county and the state save money because IHSS costs four times less than institutional care.”

Tonya York, another IHSS provider, addressed the Board with a clear message: “The demand for care will only continue to rise. That means care providers need a contract with livable wages and meaningful benefits.”

Campaign Update 5: September 30, 2025

The Santa Clara IHSS campaign turned out for the Board of Supervisions meeting, where SEIU 2015 members emphasized the critical role they play in the county’s care system and why a strong wage is necessary to ensure quality care.

“Like so many others in Santa Clara, my family struggles to pay bills on time and meet our basic needs,” said Cerferina Fernandez, a family provider for her son.

Tonya York said that she, like so many other IHSS providers, works multiple jobs just to get by. “And like many others, I had to leave a more lucrative job to do this work,” she said, “which is an essential part of the county’s care system.”

IHSS provider Yi Gao told the Board that the only way to hold on to quality providers is to ensure their wages meet their needs. “Strong wages will ensure that good caregivers stay in our industry,” she said. “This will ensure that the Santa Clara IHSS program continues to provide high quality care.

Campaign Update 4: June 17, 2025

On June 17, 2025, over 100 care workers rallied outside of the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors meeting to urge county officials to invest in long-term care and support immigrant workers amid months-long negotiations for a new contract and recent escalation of federal immigration enforcement. Click here to read our press release.

During public comment, we were joined by community allies including a representative from CRONA nurses and the San Jose Teachers Association:

Several member leaders also shared their stories at the rally and during public comment:

Campaign Update 3: May 6, 2025

Nearly 150 Santa Clara County IHSS workers and allies rallied outside of the Board of Supervisors and gave public comment, urging the County to address the care crisis by raising wages. Click here to read our press release

Yi Gao points to how much money the IHSS program saves the government every year.

“My client has 209 hours and 15 minutes of IHSS time each month, which means the government pays $4,193.37 monthly. If my care recipient were to live in a nursing home, the monthly cost would be over $10,000! Allowing seniors to live comfortably at home and receive personalized, attentive care not only improves their quality of life but also saves government funds.”

Darren McGee emphasizes the economic challenges of leaving the workforce to become an IHSS provider.

“IHSS providers don’t get paid enough to do this so they end up having to take another job. The economic impact to Santa Clara County is profound.”

Ruchir Pandit points to an alarming statistic and discusses the mental health impact of working as an IHSS provider.

“Over 60% of IHSS workers in Santa Clara have trouble paying their housing costs each month. For my family, this financial stress impacts our mental health which impacts the care we are able to provide. My spouse is constantly stressed and we are always tired.”

Louis Urquizu shares his experience as a care provider for his mother.

“My mother, who already needed assistance with everyday tasks, is now completely blind. On top of ensuring she gets her meds and meals every day, I also assist her with activities like bathing to ensure she doesn’t fall or get injured. It’s crucial that my mother get the care she needs. Without in-home care, she would have to enter an expensive institution that we can’t afford.”

SEIU 521 member Carter stands in solidarity with Santa Clara IHSS workers.

“People here are paid 20 dollars an hour when a living wage would be nearly 33 dollars an hour.”

Political organizer Kayla Gomez emphasizes the important work of IHSS providers in Santa Clara County.

“It wasn’t Sally’s choice when her son was in a near-fatal accident. It wasn’t Javier’s choice for the love of his life to be bed-ridden for months because she was given the wrong medication at a dialysis clinic. It wasn’t Cathy’s choice when their parents became ill due to age. But what was their choice is being there for someone who needs it most.”

Click here to view photos from the action

Campaign Update 2: March 25, 2025

Santa Clara County IHSS workers filled the Board of Supervisors meeting chambers on March 25, 2025 as contract negotiations with the county pressed on. Several caregivers shared their difficult economic circumstances while expressing dismay with the county’s latest wage offer.

Josefina Juarez said that care workers were on the frontlines during the pandemic and need to be safe as they continue providing essential services to community members in need.

“We don’t want our recipients at risk…if we’re healthy, our recipients are healthy.”

Tonya York told the Board that 78% of Santa Clara County care workers work multiple jobs, citing data from a recent SEIU 2015 survey.

“Home care workers are the people who have answered the call. We care for the sickest, weakest, most vulnerable members of our society.”

Natascha Walker points out how the County’s latest offer has left her feeling marginalized and insulted.

“The living wage for a single parent of one child is $64 an hour in this county, not $20 an hour. That’s a $44 dollar gap.”

Campaign Update 1: January 28, 2025

Santa Clara County home care workers spoke at the Board of Supervisors, sharing powerful testimonies and urging the Board to use existing funds to raise the IHSS wage now. 

Meet the Santa Clara IHSS providers who represent you at the bargaining table!