On World Homelessness Day, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible work of the frontline workers who make a difference in the lives of San Diegans experiencing homelessness every single day. 

From our City-funded outreach teams to our dedicated staff at the City’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department, as well as our nonprofit partners like Dreams for Change, the Downtown San Diego Partnership, and Jewish Family Service—your tireless efforts are providing shelter, support, and dignity to those in need. 

Today at Waterfront Park, I had the privilege of joining the nonprofit Lived Experience Advisors to help present their annual W.I.N.G.S. (We Inspire Nourish and Give Support) Awards, which honor some of the incredible individuals who bring grace and compassion to their work every day. These frontline heroes and other community leaders are a vital part of our city's mission to provide access to safe shelter and the services people need to get back on their feet and end their period of homelessness. 

This year’s honorees were Pastor Chris Nafis of Living Water Church, who received the Above and Beyond Award for his exceptional service to the community. Jordan Verdin, founder of Humanity Showers, was honored with the Tireless Service Award for his relentless efforts to provide dignity through access to hygiene services. Jocelyn Johnson, Director of Shelter Operations at the Downtown San Diego Partnership, earned the Running the Marathon Award for her enduring commitment to shelter operations. Katie Hildebrand, Program Manager for PATH’s Rapid Response Team, was recognized with the Fierce Advocate Award for her advocacy in ensuring rapid and effective support for those in need. Lisa Halverstadt of Voices of San Diego received the Fearless Advocate Award for her journalism highlighting the challenges and solutions to homelessness. Finally, Monica Montgomery Steppe, Supervisor of San Diego County’s District 4, was awarded the Strength in Leadership Award for her steadfast leadership in advancing policies that support our most vulnerable residents. 

To all the workers who are on the frontlines of this crisis, thank you for your dedication and service. 

The grand opening of Ventana al Sur marks another milestone in our efforts to tackle the housing crisis in San Diego. 

This affordable housing community in San Ysidro provides 100 homes to seniors who would otherwise struggle to find stable and affordable housing, with 25 of the homes reserved for seniors experiencing homelessness and in need of robust supportive services.  

Ventana al Sur is one of the first projects to benefit from the City’s Bridge to Home initiative, which helps get shovels in the ground more quickly by providing gap-financing assistance for affordable housing. Ventana al Sur received $5 million in gap financing from Bridge to Home to help get this project done. 

This funding is part of roughly $66 million we have invested through this initiative in three rounds of funding to help build nearly 1,400 affordable homes in communities across the city. Round 4 of the process is underway, with another $20 million dollars ready to be deployed. 

Ventana al Sur is a shining example of how public-private partnerships are essential to building more affordable housing in San Diego. Thanks to our Bridge to Home program and the collaboration between MAAC, Kingdom Development, and key partners like the San Diego Housing Commission, which contributed $4.4 million and 25 housing vouchers, this project has serves as a lifeline for seniors in need. 

Together, we are creating a brighter future where our even our city’s most vulnerable residents can have a roof over their head at a price they can afford.  

Alejandra and her partner had been struggling without stable housing since 2017, but when they joined the Safe Sleeping Program in November 2023, their lives began to change. They found not only a safe place to sleep but also new opportunities. 

Alejandra quickly became a vital part of the community, using her skills as a self-taught barber to provide haircuts to fellow participants, restoring dignity and confidence for those preparing for job interviews or simply needing a fresh start. 

Her hard work paid off—Alejandra was hired onto site patrol for the Safe Sleeping program run by our nonprofit partner, Dreams for Change. She earned a raise, and eventually secured permanent housing with her partner. Even after she found housing, however, she continued working at Dreams for Change, hoping to help others find the same hope she had discovered. 

Alejandra’s story is a powerful example of resilience, community support, and the life-changing impact of our Safe Sleeping Program. 

Success stories like Alejandra’s are exactly why we are expanding the Safe Sleeping Program. Her journey from homelessness to community leadership is a powerful example of how the Safe Sleeping Program can change lives. By expanding this innovative program, we’re giving more people like Alejandra the chance to rebuild their lives and transition off the streets into permanent housing. 

Our ongoing outreach efforts across San Diego are not only focused on helping individuals experiencing homelessness, but also on providing care for their pets. 

We know that pets offer companionship, comfort and love, which is why our ongoing resource fairs are designed to serve both people and their furry companions. Through partnerships with organizations like Project Street Vet and The Animal Pad, we're able to offer essential services such as vaccinations, medical care, food, leashes, and even toys for pets. 

These outreach events are a key part of our coordinated approach to ending homelessness. Our outreach teams, operated by groups like PATH, Alpha Project, and Father Joe’s Villages, engage with unsheltered individuals daily to offer personalized support. This includes medical care, shelter, helping obtain benefits, family reunification services, food, and water. But we understand that helping people often means helping their pets too. 

By providing services for both people and their pets, we are building trusting relationships and ensuring that individuals receive the compassionate, comprehensive care they need to take the next steps toward housing and stability. Pets are family, and through these efforts, we’re honoring that bond and ensuring a better future for both. 

How people experiencing homelessness in San Diego can vote in November (NBC San Diego) 

Gov. Newsom Signs Bills on Stormwater, Homeless, Bike Lanes, More with Impact in San Diego (Times of San Diego) 

County advances plans to build care beds for people experiencing homelessness (Fox 5 San Diego)