Homelessness happens to many people, for many reasons. The San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless estimates that more than 9,000 people in the area are homeless. Even people who thought they were securely housed can encounter unexpected life events–illness, injury, divorce, death of a family member, loss of employment–that leaves them homeless and needing assistance.
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.