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We’re About PeopleThe 10th Project Homeless Connect ReportDowntown San Diego – January 27, 2016

San Diego Housing CommissionWe’re About PeopleThe 10th Project Homeless ConnectDowntown San Diego – January 27, 2016Project Homeless Connect ReportOctober 31, 2016The collaboration of hundreds of agencies, businesses and volunteers is what makes Project Homeless Connect –Downtown San Diego a successful program that directly impacts our homeless San Diegans.In one day, 1,215 homeless individuals were provided with access to services to address many of their immediate andlonger-term needs at The 10th Project Homeless Connect – Downtown San Diego, which was held on January 27,2016, at Golden Hall.We were honored to have Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer, then-Councilmember Todd Gloria, Councilmember Chris Cate, andSan Diego Fire Chief Brian Fennessy attend this one-day resource fair.As homeless San Diegans registered for Project Homeless Connect on the day of the event, they provided informationabout themselves and their current life circumstances. This report includes their responses, a profile of homeless menand women participants.The majority of these individuals were single (84.4 percent), men (60.8 percent), 45 or older (62.7 percent) andunemployed (91.6 percent). More than half (56.9 percent) had no cash income of any kind, and close to half (49.1percent) had a physical disability.More than 300 volunteers and 70 service providers joined forces to connect homeless San Diegans with services, suchas haircuts, flu shots, dental screenings, identification cards from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, andcounseling for mental health, housing assistance and alcohol or substance abuse referrals.The San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) was the lead organizer for Project Homeless Connect for the sixthconsecutive time. Major organizing partners were the City of San Diego, Interfaith Shelter Network, Family HealthCenters of San Diego and Father Joe’s Villages.This important event to address homelessness reflects the commitment of our elected officials and partners, as well asthe generosity of San Diegans.Sincerely,Richard C. GentryPresident & Chief Executive OfficerSan Diego Housing Commission23

San Diego Housing CommissionWe’re About PeopleThe 10th Project Homeless ConnectDowntown San Diego – January 27, 201610th Project Homeless ConnectDowntownSDHC CollaborationAfter flooding from recent heavy rain swept awaymost of his belongings from his encampment ina Mira Mesa canyon, 61-year-old Jack was grateful fora blanket he received at the 10th Project HomelessConnect – Downtown San Diego on January 27, 2016.“My tent and everything in it got washed away by theflooding,” said the former carpenter, who has beenhomeless for four years. “Everything I owned is nowgone to the Pacific.”Jack was among the 1,215 homeless San Dieganswho attended Project Homeless Connect – a one-dayresource fair that connects homeless individuals withservices that address many of their immediate andlonger-term needs.Jack heard about Project Homeless Connect through anews story he saw on his smartphone.He attended in the hopes of connecting with mentalhealth service providers that could help him replacemedicine he also lost to the flood.“I don’t even have a can opener. Can you imagine? Theday after it happened, I got a couple cans of food thatwould’ve made a good meal, but I didn’t have any wayto open them. I practically cried,” he said.More than 300 volunteers and 70 service providersjoined forces to connect homeless San Diegans withservices, such as haircuts, flu shots, dental screenings,and counseling for mental health, housing assistanceand alcohol or substance abuse treatment referrals.SDHC was the lead organizer for Project HomelessConnect for the sixth consecutive time, providingfinancial support and, through SDHC’s website,volunteer recruitment.Major organizing partners were the City of San Diego,Interfaith Shelter Network, Family Health Centers ofSan Diego and Father Joe’s Villages.4Homeless San Diegans lining up forProject Homeless Connect Downtown – 1.27.165

San Diego Housing CommissionThe 10th Project Homeless ConnectWe’re About PeopleDowntown San Diego – January 27, 201610th Project Homeless Connect DowntownHomeless San Diegan receiving a dental check-upat the 10th Project Homeless Connect1,215Homeless Individuals Assisted300 Volunteers70Service Providers67

San Diego Housing CommissionThe 10th Project Homeless ConnectWe’re About PeopleDowntown San Diego – January 27, 201610th Project Homeless Connect Demographics1,113Unemployed10th Project Homeless Connect DowntownEagle Scout’s Focus to Help Homeless San DiegansLast January, a powerful way to help homelessSan Diegans came into focus for Spencer—providing eyeglasses.At The 10th Project Homeless Connect – DowntownSan Diego, Spencer and his mom, Diana, set up abooth and handed out nearly 200 nonprescriptionreading glasses.“A lot of people we gave them to were excited. Theywould repeat that it was one of their needs. They wouldalso say they’re grateful for them,” said Spencer, who isalso a freshman at Grossmont College.Spencer said the popularity of the booth gave him “apowerful realization.”Something as simple as eyeglasses can help homelessindividuals apply for jobs or assistance. Giving them thegift of sight is a potential path off the streets.“I knew I was making a difference.”8Spencer’s booth was also stocked with readingmaterials so homeless individuals could find a pair thatfit their eyesight.He volunteered at Project Homeless Connect at theinvitation of his dad, Tom, an SDHC Construction Specialist.“Thank you for the opportunity you guys gave me. It’sonly one day out of the year, but it really does make ahuge difference,” Spencer said.Fresh with inspiration from Project Homeless Connect lastJanuary, Spencer embarked on his Eagle Scout Project, forwhich he raised 1,000.Spencer and fellow scouts then assembled three oakplywood boxes, each one holding 75 to 100 pairs ofeye glasses – and everything needed to display them:a table cover, mirrors, reading materials, cleaning rags,bins and Windex.He dropped off a box each to SDHC, Father Joe’s Villages,and PATH San Diego to assist homeless San Diegans.The Boy Scout Oath includes “helping people at all times.”In Boy Scouts since the age of 13, Spencer has taken thatmessage to heart.“It’s a big part of scouting,” he said. “We recite the mottoat meetings and memorize it, and then follow throughwith our actions.”56.9%No Income43.3%Have BenefitsAge4.5%18-2413%25-3418.2% 35-4426.7% 45-5430.3% 55-645.7% 65 Refuse/1.6% Decline1,215 homeless San Diegans attended the 10th Project Homeless Connect.The data reflects the responses of those who answered survey questions as they entered Project Homeless Connect9

San Diego Housing CommissionThe 10th Project Homeless ConnectWe’re About PeopleDowntown San Diego – January 27, 201610th Project Homeless Connect Demographics60.8%Men37.6%Women.2%Transgender10th Project Homeless Connect DowntownHelping Homeless San Diegans One Pillow at a TimeFor 9-year-old Maya, birthdays are an opportunity tohelp others.Every other year she raises money that she uses to purchasepillows, and writes inspirational messages on them. Then,she gives them away through Maya’s Pillow Project.At Project Homeless Connect , Maya gave out 100 pillowsto homeless individuals.10“Just the feeling of making someone elsehappy makes me happy, and that’s prettymuch all that matters,” Maya said.Maya also hand writes a personalized message ofencouragement on each pillow.This was Maya’s second year participating in ProjectHomeless Connect.Family Type84.4% Single2.1%Couple WithoutChildren7.6%Single ine1,215 homeless San Diegans attended the 10th Project Homeless Connect.The data reflects the responses of those who answered survey questions as they entered Project Homeless Connect11

San Diego Housing CommissionThe 10th Project Homeless ConnectWe’re About PeopleDowntown San Diego – January 27, 201610th Project Homeless Connect Demographics49.1%Physical Disability10th Project Homeless Connect Downtown8,000 Pairs of New Socks for Homeless San DiegansSTANCE, the official sock of the National BasketballAssociation and Major League Baseball, brought itscolorful and unique socks to homeless San Diegans at The10th Project Homeless Connect – Downtown San Diego.“In a perfect world, we wouldn’t needto be having this event, but it wasamazing to see so many people inSan Diego come in to give back.”“We were just a small portion of it, but we were glad to bea part of it,” said Mark Maziarz, Vice President of Operationsfor STANCE, which is based in San Clemente, California.STANCE donated 8,000 new pairs of its socks for ProjectHomeless Connect.In addition, as part of an employee service initiative,nearly 50 STANCE employees drove to San Diego tovolunteer for Project Homeless Connect.12They helped to put socks into care bags that thehomeless participants received and handed outadditional socks.17.4%Developmental DisabilityMaziarz said participating in Project Homeless Connectallowed the opportunity for the company to show itsgratitude for its accomplishments and give back to thecommunity.STANCE reached out to SDHC after Sarah Siqueiros,STANCE’s Events Director, heard that SDHC neededvolunteers and donations for Project Homeless Connecton the San Diego-based public radio station, KPBS.Siqueiros said participating in Project Homeless Connectwas very rewarding.“Our socks are fun and they put a smile on people’s faces,”she said.Race1.8%Asian2.0%Pacific Islander28.5% African American56.6% White2.4%8.7%Native AmericanRefuse/Decline1,215 homeless San Diegans attended the 10th Project Homeless Connect.The data reflects the responses of those who answered survey questions as they entered Project Homeless Connect13