I know a family whose only home was recently towed while living in San Diego.
This situation could easily have led to the family ending up in San Diego’s restrictive shelter system. However, through intentional use of diversion strategies, we were able to prevent the family from needing to remain in a local shelter.
This family, originally from Washington State, had been traveling through California for some time with their five dogs. When their mobile home was unexpectedly towed, they rented a U-Haul to keep them from sleeping on the streets and contacted the San Diego Humane Society.
Thanks to the excellent partnership Father Joe’s Village has with the Humane Society, we were able to connect with them. Using strategic “diversion funding” from the Regional Homelessness Task Force, we removed the mobile home from the impound center and gave the family gas cards to begin their journey home.
For years, demand for shelter beds has been rising Consistently exceeded availability. This, coupled with the fact that more and more people are experiencing homelessness for the first time, means that we must find strategic solutions to shift people towards more sustainable housing.
This family’s story is just one example of how diversion and assistance strategies can prevent people newly experiencing homelessness from falling into a deeper cycle of being on the streets. It is also a key way we can conserve our limited resources for clients who may have more significant needs or barriers to exiting homelessness.
Preventing someone from falling into homelessness is much less expensive for taxpayers. Studies show that a small cash infusion — an average of $2,500 — can solve many simple problems that can lead to a housing loss. In contrast, once someone falls on the streets, the combination of social services and emergency hospital or shelter stays costs taxpayers nearly $40,000 per person per year. According to a 2017 study. Flexible funds that prevent homelessness are a better financial investment for the community, as well as preventing another individual from experiencing the life-altering trauma of living on the streets.
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness considers Diversion A Problem solving approach. It can range from short-term case management to temporary financial assistance with rent, security deposits or utility payments. The ultimate goal is to divert people in need away from the shelter system and help them find lasting solutions to homelessness.
Our staff – including shelter staff and outreach teams – have been trained in transformational methods and skills, such as meditation and strengths-based approaches, since 2021. This is an effective strategy – we have seen it work with our own eyes.
We know that people who have to turn to temporary shelters often have a difficult time transitioning out of homelessness. The trick is to help people emerge from homelessness and support their journey towards stability and self-sufficiency as soon as possible. And through key partnerships — like our relationships with the City of San Diego and other service providers — we can intervene soon enough to help people avoid much of the trauma of the homelessness experience.
Another key to effective conversion strategies is a personalized approach. Each of the approximately 10,605 people experiencing homelessness in San Diego has a unique story, with unique challenges and strengths. Any effort to help them out of their situation must be personalized to overcome any individual barriers they face.
Conversion strategies are also best when combined with other comprehensive services. In addition to our diversion assistance programs, we provide all of our clients with access to other key resources, such as employment and educational support, nutritional assistance, and customized physical, dental, and behavioral health care.
Although incredibly effective, diversion is just one strategy to prevent and end homelessness in San Diego. We also have programs aimed at preventing at-risk people from falling into homelessness in the first place and services aimed at helping those who have experienced homelessness for some time become self-sufficient. If we want to address this crisis head-on, we must focus on this comprehensive approach.
People newly experiencing homelessness should be supported in any ways necessary to prevent them from falling into the shelter system. It’s better for our neighbors in need and our city overall.
I invite all supporters of our mission to join us. Volunteer, advocate, and give if you can. Together, we can end homelessness – one life at a time.
Vargas is president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. He lives in La Jolla.
