United Way Pilot Program Will Provide Permanent Housing & Services For Over 500 Chronically Homeless

July 15, 2009 - PRLog -- An estimated 1,400 chronically homeless individuals live on San Diego County streets. Nearly all of them need permanent housing as well as the necessary support services to ensure they stay off the streets. Thanks to United Way funding, they’re a step closer to that success story.

As part of the 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, United Way of San Diego County has announced $757,244 in funding to five area nonprofit organizations that will provide permanent housing, recuperative units for the medically fragile, discharge planning services, and the first regional access center in the County. The five agencies are Alpha Project, Catholic Charities, Crisis House, San Diego Rescue Mission, and Townspeople.

“This is a very positive development,” said Brian Maienschein, Commissioner of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. “I’m excited for these great organizations to receive funding to reduce chronic homelessness on San Diego’s streets.”

Led by United Way, a team of community experts, homeless providers, local government, and law enforcement personnel have identified the provision of these housing units as a major goal. The first units are scheduled to be operational by mid June.

“After two years of hard work, we’re finally seeing our efforts come to fruition,” said Dene Oliver, CEO, OliverMcMillan and chair of the Plan’s vision council. “We surpassed our first goal, and we expect that trend to continue.”

Though they represent just 14% of the homeless population, the chronically homeless consume 50% of available resources, including shelters, emergency medical and law enforcement services, mental health support, and detox facilities. By providing funding for permanent housing and supportive services to the chronically homeless, more resources will be available for the hundreds of “new” homeless who have become part of our community landscape since the economic downturn.

To read more about United Way’s 10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness, visit our website at www.uwsd.org or contact United Way’s Brian Maienschein at 858.636.4141.

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United Way of San Diego County is a nonprofit organization that improves lives and creates lasting change by raising money and mobilizing the community to solve education, income and health issues. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.uwsd.org