Why:

Closing the gap between income and housing costs is a key component in ending homelessness. Jobs that pay a living wage are essential in closing that gap. SCS believes that providing meaningful transitional work, with minimal barriers, can help our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness get a fresh start. Additionally, there are few permanent housing options for those unsheltered individuals between ages 25 and 54; without an income, they do not qualify for transitional housing programs.

What:

Shoreline Community Services’ new employment program, the Community Care Crew, has

Initially hired 6 Team Members who are paid to care for the streets of the Central Beach Area and beyond. Since this employment program started in July 2023, they’ve collected 14,000 cubic feet of garbage and worked 1541 collective hours on 6 different contracts. Specifically, services offered by the Community Care Crew include street cleaning, power washing, graffiti removal, light landscaping, custodial/janitorial services, and event setup/takedown.

Even more critically, each Team Member benefits from individualized case management, receives counseling in career management and job placement. After a probationary period, Team Members are considered for temporary housing, to have a safe place to keep personal items, relax, sleep, shower.

How:

Initially, grants and donor investments are being used to pay for startup costs, general operating costs, equipment, cleaning supplies, and uniforms. Eventually, the SCS Community Care Crew will function as a Social Enterprise. Our team, being hired by local businesses, organizations, and faith communities are compensated by those customers. This Social Enterprise will not only provide an income for Team Members, but will also provide income for Shoreline Community Services and will help the SCS Community Care Crew become a self-sustaining entity that will help to restore dignity and purpose to a population of our neighbors who have, at times, been overlooked.

Who:

A complicated issue, homelessness is far too big for any one organization to address. Because of this, Shoreline Community Services values collaboration with partners who are also working on the issue from different perspectives. We are creating and solidifying collaborative relationships with Community Partners such as San Diego County, the City of San Diego, Discover PB, La Jolla Merchants Association, the San Diego Workforce Partnership, Belmont Park, local women’s clubs, and local faith communities. By “harnessing the power of community relationships”, Shoreline Community Services can help unsheltered individuals achieve self-sufficiency and earn the fresh start they deserve, while creating a thriving, safe and welcoming neighborhood for everyone!