Homeless In San Diego

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation month we have a remarkable podcast episode for you.   Our guest today is none other than David Fitzgibbons, a dedicated volunteer and donor at Interfaith. David has been serving as an intake volunteer every Tuesday and Thursday for over four years, helping to meet the basic needs of our community. He assists with obtaining food, hygiene products, clothes, resources, and connects people with a Case Manager as needed. David's commitment to our community is exemplary, and we are grateful for his service. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and we invite you to listen in and hear David's perspective. You might even be inspired to become our next intake volunteer. https://interfaithservices.org/volunteer/ https://interfaithservices.org/donate/ https://interfaithservices.org/donation-inquiry/

"I think one of the things I'm most proud of about the organization and obviously your leadership is a huge part of that, is that the organization has taken this bold stance to say we are going to stand up against injustice, we are going to serve the most vulnerable, be proud of it, and we're not going to be quiet about it." Dr. Nate Sessoms This week, we have a very special episode in store for 'Homeless in San Diego.' For the first time ever, our podcast is hosted by Dr. Nate Sessoms, CEO of Success Beyond Measure, and our Board Chair, Dr. Kadri Webb. Join them as they explore this year's theme, 'African Americans and the Arts,' delve into black history, and discuss its personal significance. They will share their experiences, stories, and accomplishments, shedding light on Interfaith’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) within the community.

Joining CEO of Interfaith Community Services, Greg Anglea,  are 3 employees each with their own diverse careers and their take on the Point In Time Count. Throughout the podcast, we tackle essential questions, such as the motivation behind participating in the PITC, the personal experiences of those involved, and the impact of the count on our community. Discover the stories behind the statistics, uncover the reasons people decide to work with those experiencing homelessness, and explore the concept of "meeting people where they are at."   2023 Data : https://www.rtfhsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-City-of-San-Diego-Region-Breakdown.pdf   Volunteer: https://www.interfaithservices.org/volunteer/

Interfaith's podcast, 'Homeless in San Diego,' is making a grand return! Not only are we launching the first episode back with senior investigative reporter Lisa Halverstadt, but going forward each episode will have a video version. Lisa Halverstadt is a senior investigative reporter for Voice of San Diego who has been digging into the region’s homelessness crisis for more than eight years. Join us for this episode as we interview Lisa the most tenured reporter on homelessness in San Diego. As we cover our broken homeless system, the increased need for behavioral health beds, and the challenges people face experiencing homelessness. If you have ever wondered how difficult it is for people to get help this episode offers invaluable insight. Make sure to look at the show notes below P.S. After we recorded this episode Lisa released a two-part in-depth story on homeless hospital patients detailing the complex reality our San Diegans face on a daily basis. If you have the time we highly encourage you to read the

Join us for a reflective journey in this special episode of "Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories" as we pay tribute to the late Peter Seidler. Your host, Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, guides us through a poignant exploration of a past episode featuring Peter Seidler, Managing Partner of the San Diego Padres. In this thoughtful retrospective, we revisit the insightful conversation between Greg and Peter, delving into Peter's background in business and Major League Baseball. Together, they explore the transformative moments that shaped Peter's commitment to addressing homelessness in San Diego. Peter's personal experiences, including his battle with cancer and the meaningful connections he forged while walking the streets of Downtown San Diego, provide a powerful backdrop for this reflection. As we honor the legacy of Peter Seidler, this episode serves as a tribute to his dedication and compassion towards making a positive impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

Scott life had hit rock bottom. After serving in the Air Force and battling homelessness and addiction on the streets of San Diego, he felt trapped in despair. Yet, a glimmer of hope emerged when he realized he had the unwavering support of the VA. With nothing left to lose, he sought solace at the VA hospital, where he began his journey to recovery. During his time there, Aspell was informed a program for homeless veterans run by Interfaith Community Services. Determined to turn his life around, he immersed himself in the program at the Abraham & Lillian Turk Recuperative Care Center.   Aware that the road ahead wouldn't be smooth, Aspell acknowledged the challenges he faced. Although he possessed disability benefits and social security, his credit score is in poor shape. Yet, he holds onto optimism, hoping that he would qualify for a low-income home. With determination fueling his spirit and newfound support guiding his path, Aspell embarked on a quest for stability and a fresh start. The echoes of his

Hugh Hughes is the president of Residency Apparel, a social enterprise using custom, branded apparel to support women transitioning into permanent housing in Los Angeles. For over the last ten years, Residency has worked with and alongside the unhoused population in LA, and they are able to fund that work through their donors and their clients that need their own branded merchandise. Their programs are two-fold: supportive employment, and sponsorship of trauma therapy for women in need. You can learn more about their work at www.residencyapparel.com

We welcome back Lynn Solorzano, Founder and President of Ashley’s Hope.  Lynn started this non-profit in memory of her daughter, Ashley.  Ashley passed away after 8 years living on the streets of San Diego -- she was only 25.  The mission of Ashley’s Hope is to provide people struggling with homeless-related issues dignity, respect and most importantly, hope.  Lynn is providing all Interfaith locations with clean, gently used clothing on a regular basis.   Learn More About Ashley’s Hope: https://ashleyshope.org/

Rich has lived experience of homelessness and addiction. He is a former Marine, MMA, Fighter, and Police Officer whose life has not been easy. While dealing with trauma Rich turned to drugs as an escape from reality. Ultimately, he ended up homeless for 12 years. Since then, Rich has gone through programs and reflects on his journey to self-sufficiency and recovery. Rich has since then overcome homelessness and someone who wants to give back and be of service to those who are in a similar position he was in.  

Shannon came to interfaith through a referral to be part of our RWC Program (Recovery and Wellness). After successfully graduating from the program, she is now a live in Manager of a women's sober living home. Through the trials and tribulations of her life, Shannon has overcome homelessness, is sober, and lives a life to help others. 

We are happy to welcome back Mei. Mei inspires all of us at Interfaith.  In Mei’s own words, she “suffered bouts of homelessness throughout her life and has managed to obtain secure housing and push forward through many years of trauma since childhood. “ In 2020, Mei opened Daydream, a gift shop located on Grand Avenue in Downtown Escondido, and launched a separate line selling her handmade “Humanitote” bags. For every bag sold, Mei donates a Humanitote bag to Interfaith filled with toiletries which are given directly to Humans experiencing homelessness.  As a business owner, and Interfaith partner, Mei furthered her work by collaborating on an ongoing fundraising event called Breakfast & Bags “for a unified effort in helping Interfaith help our houseless neighbors in need,” at Sunny Side Kitchen in Escondido where she launches each new Humanitote Collection at the event. We are grateful to Mei and Sunny Side Kitchen for their support!  Breakfast & Bags are held on the second Saturday of each month fr

Liz Rosas faced homelessness in San Diego for a year, from December 2013 to December 2014. Now, she actively advocates for others who are currently experiencing homelessness. She is a member of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness' Continuum of Care Advisory Board, representing those who are and were previously homeless. Additionally, she actively participates in the San Diego Housing Federation's Homeless-Experienced Advocacy and Leadership (HEAL) Network. 

Drew Moser is the Executive Director of the Lucky Duck Foundation, which raises money to fund, activate and lead high-impact programs that alleviate the suffering of homelessness throughout San Diego County. He has been in this role since early 2019. Drew is passionate about facilitating the generosity of donors who are committed to immediately helping those suffering from homelessness. He joins us to talk about the homeless crisis and the work that is being done to help those in need.  

Sunny Rey, was born into homelessness and dropped off in San Diego by her birth mom where her early experiences in foster care into adoption rooted her first musings as a writer at age 12. Growing up in the system with social workers ever present, Sunny found herself the rebel activist with a strong desire to build communities that combined art and a welcoming inclusive movement.  Sunny's early adulthood was spent with 15 years working in the social work arena while writing books on the side and raising her two children as a single mom. She recently founded a 501(C)3 where she put together hygiene kits for the home less with fellow poets .  https://www.poetsundergroundpress.com

Here to talk about their expertise with (tiny) Housing is Ellen Stone and Renee Seevers.  Ellen is the Founder and Managing Director of Tiny Home Central Consulting and Renee is the CEO of, the much anticipated, TinyFest.  Ellen and Renee partnered with Interfaith Community Services to bring you a showcase of "Tiny Homes" - an alternative, compact, and efficient way of living. Much can be said about these tiny homes, but can they be a big solution for Housing? Listen and find out!  TinyFest Ad Break:  Interfaith Community Services along with our wonderful guests, Ellen and Renee, bring you an amazing opportunity at TinyFest! Curious about Tiny Homes? Want to support Interfaith? Thanks to TinyFest Events, you have a chance to come and join the fun while supporting your local non-profit.   The event will be on Sat, Match 11, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM & Sun, Mar 12, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.   Come on down to the Del Mar Fairgrounds - 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014.  Visit tinyfest.events

Holly Nelson serves as Housing and Neighborhood Services Manager for the City of Escondido.  She's also a friend and former employee of Interfaith. Holly began her career with us as a case manager and has shown an unrelenting commitment over the years to helping to secure housing and benefits to unsheltered members of our community. Please listen to our latest episode of Homeless in San Diego to learn more about Holly and the Point in Time Count she's spearheading this month.

Marc is a Volunteer at Interfaith, who feels passionately about giving back to those in need. In his adventurous career he has worked in television as a new reporter, and an entrepreneur in many fields of media entertainment. While perusing his entrepreneurship Marc found himself close to homelessness. Now Marc understands how easily being homeless can happen and that it can happen to anyone. Through his compassion, Marc now wants to help those in need and does so by Volunteering in Interfaith.  

Jimmy, came through Interfaith twice, and is now housed, sober, and working fulltime as an employee with the Union. In his story he shares that when facing homelessness, it was difficult to accept help when it was offered, but through the endless efforts of the Homeless Outreach team he accepted the help and got the help he needed.  Through his and trials and tribulations Jimmy has turned his life around, and hopes that he can inspire people with his story.  

Jimmy, came through Interfaith twice, and is now housed, sober, and working fulltime as an employee with the Union. In his story he shares that when facing homelessness, it was difficult to accept help when it was offered, but through the endless efforts of the Homeless Outreach team he accepted the help and got the help he needed.  Through his and trials and tribulations Jimmy has turned his life around, and hopes that he can inspire people with his story.  

Meet Pam! Pam has overcome adversity and is ready to help others do the same!   Pam is one of Interfaith’s newest employees. Despite recently joining, she has had to become familiar with our motto of "helping people help themselves" long before she joined us. Adopted from the Philippines at an early age, Pam grew up in Fallbrook where she often felt isolated and without a real support system. At the height of the pandemic, her life at home and relationships were not healthy. To escape the struggles at home, she became homeless and often couch surfed. Although Pam went without a home for a long time, she persevered and enrolled at UC Riverside where she worked hard to earn a degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences and even made the Dean’s list for academic excellence! Today, Pam is excited to share and use her experiences to help people in need overcome their own difficult situations, all while continuing to further her education and goals. Pam embodies our mission of helping people in need overcome difficult