A big step in the right direction will be taken starting in May as the first of two buildings at our Primrose Apartments development opens.

Located at 2240-2260 Primrose in Vista, the housing was acquired and refurbished using $3.4 million in HOME funds awarded to Solutions for Change from the County of San Diego Housing and Community Development as well as $1.1 million in private funding from Clearinghouse CDFI. HOME funds originate from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development and are provided to communities to develop affordable housing for working families.

“This is a great example of how a public/private partnership can deliver permanent solutions to tough social problems like family homelessness,” said Solutions CEO and President Chris Megison. “HUD’s funding through the county is an investment that allows us to more effectively rebuild lives alongside our civic, corporate and church partners, all of whom are heavily invested in the Finding Our Way plan to solve family homelessness.”

The 22 units are being completely refurbished, with new windows, cabinets, bathroom vanities, floors, countertops and appliances. The second building will have the refurbishing process completed sometime in July, and there will be an official ribbon cutting and opening party in August.

A family park—Primrose Park—is being planned for a large green area in the central court between the two buildings. The park will include a playground, family picnic area, raised wooden cabana decks, and a relaxing shaded meditation area.

Mark King and Olivia, a Solutions for Change 11 year old, threw out the first pitch at a Padres game. In this picture, Mark is holding up Olivia's hand in triumph as they look back at the TaylorMade employees and Solutions for Change families cheering from the stands!

Given a chance, golf teaches a lot of life skills, from patience and perseverance to goal setting, integrity, honesty, and respect for others. That’s another reason we so value our relationship with TaylorMade Golf and its dynamic CEO, Mark King.

King was the subject of the CBS-TV program Undercover Boss Friday, April 6^th. The show sends a company CEO, in disguise, undercover to see what his employees are really thinking and doing. It’s a learning experience for both sides.

TaylorMade Golf as a corporation, and Mark King individually, have both been long and strong supporters of Solutions for Change. In 2010, the company pledged $1 million to the Finding Our Way Home initiative, and Mark King is chair of that effort.

TaylorMade is also developing a unique program for Solutions’ youth that will involve them in golf and all it has to teach. The golf program will challenge our children to excel in not only golf, but in everything they do. It will help teach the values, skills, and life lessons that are essential for success.

TaylorMade is doing its part to solve family homelessness. What can you do? A lot.

• GIVE—Financial support is essential if we are to provide faster, better access to the skills, knowledge, and resources families need to permanently solve their homelessness. There are other ways to give, as well. Volunteer to help with a variety of tasks.
• CONNECT—Stay in touch through Facebook, our newsletter, and a personal visit to Solutions for Change. Become an active member of the Solutions for Change community.
• LEARN MORE—Contact us (760.941.6545) or browse our website to find out about current volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and recent happenings. Or call and arrange a personal tour of our campus, where you will see firsthand how family homelessness is being solved.

Solutions for Change was the official charitable beneficiary of the recent KIA Classic golf tournament, held at La Costa Resort and Spa March 19-25.

This LPGA event benefitted Solutions in several ways. Besides the direct financial gift from the tournament, we gained invaluable exposure to the community. On tournament Wednesday, there was a canned food and Books for Real Change drive. Tournament fans had an opportunity to not only hear about Solutions for Change, but contribute, and contribute they did.

Many of our residents were in attendance to staff the Solutions stations, and they were touched by the response and support from the community. For the entire length of the event, we had an exhibit booth that enabled us to explain to community members how we’re permanently solving family homelessness. It also enabled us to meet and develop relationships with many local businesses.

On Saturday, about 20 Solutions’ kids were provided clubs and they teed it up and got a firsthand look at golf under the guidance of one of the touring women pros! That was an opportunity that left quite an impression. These were the golfers the kids would see that day and next on ESPN, and read about in the newspaper. Someday, perhaps there will be a Solutions PGA champ who will be able to say it began at the KIA Classic.

When all was said and done, there were two winners on Sunday—Yani Tseng, at a 14 under par 274, and Solutions for Change.

If you know of a family (adult or adults with one or more children) who is homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, act today. Help them help themselves by suggesting that they call Solutions for Change at 760.941.6545. If they can answer “yes” to these questions, we can help them.

¨  Yes, I am a parent with minor dependent children in my custody.  If a couple, we are married or  are both the legal parents of our children as verified by a birth certificate.  Note: Pregnant mothers also qualify.

¨  Yes, I am homeless according to HUD guidelines. (Verifiable)  See back of page for guidelines and ask for help if you are not sure.

¨  Yes, I will work full-time and I possess the legal documents to work in the United States.  Exception:  I have a permanent disability and will provide proof.

¨  Yes, I will actively participate in the support services including coaching, education, workshops, classes, counseling, and (if needed) out-patient substance abuse treatment.

¨  Yes, I can maintain the appropriate behavior of my children.  My children will be enrolled in school full-time.

¨  Yes, If I have a mental health condition or diagnosis, I will take my prescribed medication and will participate in counseling as needed.

¨  Yes, I can pass a drug test.

¨  Yes, I understand that this is not a “safe house.” Note: If I am fleeing a recent domestic violence situation, I will be referred to a safe place and have the option to enter Solutions later.

¨  Yes, I do not have a criminal conviction for physically hurting other people, children or destroying property.

HUD Guidelines

1. Any individual or family who lacks affixed regular and adequate nighttime residence. Meaning the individual:

a. Lives on the street; lacks a fixed, regular, adequate nighttime residence; or lives in places not meant for human habitation; or

b. Resides in a supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designated to provide temporary living arrangement that includes: congregate shelter, transitional housing, hotel or motel paid for by charitable organizations or by a unit of government for low-income individuals; or

c. Is exiting an institution where he or she resided for 90 days or less and who lived in an emergency shelter or a place not meant for human habitation immediately before entering that institution.

2. An individual or family who will imminently lose their primary residence, provided they meet the following conditions:

a. The primary nighttime residence will be lost within 14 days of the application for homeless assistance; and

b. No subsequent residence has been identified; and

c. The individual or family lacks the resources or support networks (family, friends, faith-based, or other social networks) needed to obtain other permanent housing.

3. For households with children: Unaccompanied youth under age 25, or families with children and youth who do not otherwise qualify as homeless under this definition, but who meet the following four conditions:

a. Are defined as homeless under one of the following federal acts:  Section 387 of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (42 USC 5732a); or section 637 of the Head Start Act (42 USC 9832); or section 14043 of the Violence Against Women Act (42USC 14013e-2); or section 330(h) Public Health Services Act (42USC 254 b); or section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 USC 2012); or section 17(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1996 (42 USC 1786); or section 725 of the Mc Kinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 USC 11424 a); and

b. Have not had a lease, ownership interest, or occupancy agreement at any time during the 60 days immediately prior to the date of application for homeless assistance; and

c. Have experienced persistent housing instability as measured by two or more moves during the 60-day period immediately prior to the date of application for homeless assistance; and

d. Are expected to continue in an instable status for an extended period of time because of chronic disabilities; chronic physical health or mental health conditions; substance addiction; history of domestic violence or child abuse (including neglect); the presence of a child or youth with a disability; or two or more barriers to employment, including a lack of a high school diploma or General Education Development certificate (GED), illiteracy, low English proficiency, a history of incarceration or detention for criminal activity, and a history of unstable employment.

4. Any family or individual who:

a. Is fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or other dangerous or life-threatening conditions that relate to violence against the individual or family member, including a child that has either occurred within the individual’s or family’s primary nighttime residence or has made the individual or family afraid to return to return to their primary nighttime residence; and

b. Has no other residence; and

c. Lacks the resources or support networks (family, friends, faith-based or other social networks) to obtain other permanent housing.

Our application was submitted and championed by long-time Solutions supporter Jeff Crane, who is a Financial Consultant at a local Thrivent Financial for Lutherans office. During his more than three years of involvement with Solutions, Jeff has become an enthusiastic advocate on behalf of the organization. Jeff sees a close fit between the ideals of his professional life and the goals of Solutions for Change. Both seek to provide long-term security and solutions, while maintaining high personal and ethical standards for everyone involved.

“As a financial professional, I was also impressed with the Solutions plan in strictly economic terms,” says Jeff. “When Solutions speaks of creating a permanent solution for a family, they mean giving people the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to become and remain housed, tax paying members of the community—forever. It’s a program based on accountability and responsibility.”

The MDRT Foundation grant will be used to advance Solutions’ Finding Our Way Home program, whose goal is to help 200 families and their 400 children find a permanent solution to their homelessness within three years.

“The MDRT Foundation is proud to honor your volunteerism and commitment to North County Solutions for Change” said the letter to Crane announcing the foundation’s decision.

Thank you Jeff for your involvement and continued support!

Ask Solutions for Change resident Linda Martin.

Last Friday, a dream came true for Linda. A miracle happened. She was acknowledged and honored with the 2011 Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Award at the group’s “Live Your Dream” gala, held at the Shadowridge Country Club. The award carried with it a $1000 scholarship toward her studies in criminal justice at Mira Costa College, a congressional recognition plaque signed by Congressman Darrel Issa, and a proclamation read by Vista Mayor Judy Ritter declaring the next day as Linda Martin Day.

From homeless to a congressional plaque, a day in her honor, and an award for being a person who “faced economic and personal hardships and is seeking to gain skills, training and education.” What an amazing journey it has been for Linda and her eight-year-old son Isaac.

The story that has such a happy ending had a difficult beginning. Two years ago, Linda and her son were homeless and out of options. Linda knew she had to do something, find some way to get back on track, not only for herself but for Isaac, who was then only six years old. Linda wanted Isaac to have a bright future, so she made the most important call of her life—to Solutions for Change.

From the time she and Isaac walked through the doors at Solutions nearly 2 years ago, Linda has been on a clear path to success. She has inspired residents and staff alike with her commitment, dedication, and can-do attitude.

And can-do she does. Linda is now a full time student at Mira Costa College and expects to receive her degree in criminal justice in May of 2013. It’s the first step toward a career path that includes paralegal, and possibly law school.

“Sometimes, all people need is someone to come alongside them, to believe in them and to help activate the potential within them. They’ll take it from there, as Linda certainly did,” said Solutions President and Executive Director Chris Megison.

“I’m grateful to everyone at Solutions, and all the people in the community, for the support that has made my new life all that it is and will be,” said Linda.

Solutions, which serves homeless families in North County, has a three year old program called Books for Real Change. Books donated by members of the community are sorted, cataloged, and offered for sale on Amazon.com, generating income for programs that provide the skills, knowledge, and resources parents and their children need to regain their footing and become self-sustaining and housed once again.

The Books for Real Change program outgrew its quarters at the main Solutions for Change campus, and moved to the group’s new Solutions Training Center in Vista.

On Sunday, a team of 40 Wells Fargo volunteers packed, moved, unpacked, and shelved books—and they even  assembled the shelves, as well as repainted the old facility with paint donated by Vista Paint.

“I’m very proud of our team members who have volunteered to help support Solutions for Change,” said Teresa Moseley, Wells Fargo Community Banking District Manager for the Tri City Market, who along with Wells Fargo Vista store manager Ismael Zermeno have championed the Solutions for Change program within their organization. “Our team members care about giving back to their local communities and want to support the many North County families who are working so hard to have a place they can call home.”

“Books for Real Change is an important program for many reasons,” said Solutions co-founder and vice-president Tammy Megison. “It helps Solutions’ residents learn job skills, it generates income for our programs, and it impresses on everyone the need to find real solutions when confronted with challenges.

“We’re very grateful to the Wells Fargo employees who are giving of themselves to assist us,” said Megison.

“We’ll have a lot more capacity in our new facility, and we encourage anyone with any kind of books they wish to donate to call us at (760) 941-6545 or visit us at www.Solutionsforchange.org,” said Megison.

Your gift to the Solutions for Change Campaign of Hope will create futures for these children and hundreds just like them.

Once, these children were homeless. Now they and their families have hope, housing, and the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to permanently solve their homelessness. You can make that happen for many other children and their families with a gift to the Campaign of Hope.

The Campaign of Hope will enable us to give more families faster access to more resources. Each family that permanently solves its homelessness is a family that will pay taxes instead of consuming public resources, and be a productive part of their community. You are helping yourself and your community, as well as all children and their families who are part of the Solutions program.

Your gift means scholarships to sustain families at Solutions University during the crucial first 500 days on campus, where they work intensively with mentors, counselors, job trainers and other specialists to really, permanently solve the issues the led to their homelessness. They then progress to the New Solutions program, where they move off campus, yet still have full program support. This New Solutions phase is the beginning of lifelong independence.

It is also a generational transformation, as we break what is often a two or three generation deep pattern of homelessness.

Thank you for creating hope and futures by making a gift to the Campaign of Hope.

Santa had a lot of helpers at Solutions for Change this year.

Every child had a merry Christmas, thanks to the generous support of our whole spectrum of supporters, including Holy Cross Church in Carlsbad and many other faith-based organizations; Cintas and all our other corporate sponsors; organizations such as the Vista royal court who helped wrap gifts; and many, many warm-hearted individuals who made it their mission to make this a merry Christmas for all our residents. Mission more than accomplished.

The highlight was the Solutions Christmas party on December 10th, to which the community was invited. Santa was there for the party, of course (thank you Vista Fire Department), along with hundreds of others. There were plenty of wide eyes and happy smiles on the faces of the Solutions’ kids as they realized Santa came bearing gifts for them. Many of them had spent many Christmases with little or nothing.

It was truly a community effort. Not only did the children get toys, but the parents received a gift—the gift of knowing that so many in the community care about them, and their families. It means a tremendous amount to each of them.

Besides the annual Christmas party, about 200 Solutions residents, employees and supporters took part this year in the Vista Christmas Parade on December 3rd. The Solutions contingent won first place for best use of the 2011 parade theme, “Friends, Families, and Fun.” It had a lot of meaning to each of them.

Wonder and joy prevailed at our 2011 Solutions' Community Christmas Party

Angelic voices of the Encore Youth Choir entertained all at the Christmas party

Ho, Ho, Ho! Thank you Vista Fire Department for making the long trek from the North Pole to bring Santa to Solutions' Christmas Party

Solutions won first place for best use of the theme "Friends, Families and Fun" at the 2011 Vista Christmas Parade

Thanks to the Adopt a Family Program, April and her boys enjoyed a bright Christmas morning

VISTA, CALIF. (January 24, 2012)—On the heels of a year that saw North County Solutions for Change raise more than $1.3 million at its annual gala alone, the organization kicked off 2012 by securing a $4.8 million award from the California Department of Housing and Community Development for acquisition and rehabilitation of rental housing in Vista.

Solutions for Change, a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Vista, is dedicated to solving family homelessness in North County. It is currently in the midst of its Finding Our Way Home initiative, whose goal is to lead 200 families and their 400 children out of homelessness within three years through the Solutions University program. Solutions University is an enlightening 1,000-day curriculum that requires families to apply for admission, move onto campus for 500 days where they engage participants and assess and intervene in current cycles, then move off-campus for their last 500 days when they are equipped with the skills they need to succeed and then permanently solve their homelessness.

“This award results in a winning proposition for the community, Solutions for Change and the future residents,” said Solutions for Change President and Executive Director Chris Megison. “We will be creating a very attractive apartment complex while helping the community achieve its goal of seeing that families—including our brave veterans with children—are housed and offered access to the knowledge, skills and resources they need to succeed.”

The awarded funds will be used to create 48 units of supportive housing at the Vista Terrace Apartments, and were provided under the state’s Multifamily Housing Program. Rehabilitation of the units is expected to start in November, while the first families will begin to take up residency in Spring 2013. Acting Deputy Director Guerdon H. Stuckey noted in his letter announcing the award that “the Department is committed to expanding housing and ownership opportunities for all Californians.”

The funds were awarded in a highly competitive process that drew applicants from around the state, and the $4.8 million award was nearly 7 percent of the total funds allocated. Solutions for Change was selected because of the strength of its program support, along with the urgent level of need in the North County area for additional supportive housing.

ABOUT SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGE

North County Solutions for Change has worked since 1999 to solve family homelessness in North County San Diego. In that time, the organization has saved taxpayers more than $28 million by helping families permanently solve their homelessness. The organization’s 1,000-day Solutions University program gives individuals access to the skills, knowledge and resources they need to become and stay self-sufficient. For more information about Solutions for Change, visit www.solutionsforchange.org or call (760) 941-6545.