Ashley's Hope

Lynn Solorzano, Founder and President of Ashley’s Hope.  Lynn started this non-profit in memory of her daughter, Ashley.  Ashley was only 25 and homeless.  She passed away after 8 years living on the streets of San Diego.  The mission of Ashley’s Hope is to provide people struggling with homeless-related issues dignity, respect and most importantly, hope.  Lynn is providing all Interfaith locations with clean, gently used clothing on a regular basis.

Learn More About Ashley’s Hope: https://ashleyshope.org/

Randy's Story

Randy and his wife were living off of social security, in an unsafe housing situation, and on the verge of eviction.  In 2021, Interfaith Community Services connected with them via our Home Safe Program, a homelessness prevention program for Seniors in our community.

When asked why Randy chose to be a guest on our podcast, he shared

“I was in a situation for a year when I saw no way out.  I did not know about Interfaith, and I just can’t believe what they did for us, or that it was even possible.  It was like a miracle. I get up every day giving thanks for it. Interfaith really takes good care of you and makes sure you are doing ok all the time. They don’t just say here you are…they make sure you continue to do ok.”  

Contact Us:
interfaithservices.org/contact

Direct Download: https://traffic.libsyn.com/homelessinsandiego/Interfaith_Randy_final_1.mp3

This is our last episode for Season 2. We look forward to you joining us again for Season 3 this Summer!

Levi's Story (Part 2)

Joining us for this two-part podcast series, Levi Giafaglione reflects on his journey overcoming homelessness, his experience working in social services agency and exploring land investments. Levi invites us to consider how each of us can be change makers. If you have not already, tune into the previous podcast for a series you won’t want to miss!

Levi's Story

Meet Levi Giafaglione. Three years ago he started listening to our podcast and set a goal of one day being a guest and sharing his own experiences and reflections on overcoming homelessness. Levi has now made that goal a reality, and we are proud to be able to share his personal story and the various challenges he faced while living in “survival mode”. Tune in to hear about Levi’s struggles with homelessness and stay tuned for the next recording where he will be sharing his amazing success journey. This is a podcast you won’t want to miss!

giv4, Homelessness in San Diego initiative

Join us for an invaluable conversation discussing homelessness and giv4, an initiative of the Jewish Community Foundation San Diego and twelve curated local nonprofits confronting homelessness in San Diego.  The goal of giv4 is to learn about homelessness, the affordable housing crisis and different solutions in San Diego County.  Two of the twelve organizations receiving funding from this collective effort are Interfaith Community Services and HEAL, Homeless Experienced Advocacy & Leadership.  Ollie Benn, Director of Philanthropy and Social Impact at Jewish Community Foundation San Diego, joins Greg Anglea and Vanessa Graziano, representatives of two of the organizations in this inspiring conversation you do not want to miss. 

Contact Us: interfaithservices.org/contact

Interested in supporting Interfaith Community Services: www.interfaithservices.org/donate

Learn more about giv4: https://giv4.jcfsandiego.org/

Vanessa's Story

Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, along with Interfaith colleague Shira Jacobs, welcome you to the Homeless in San Diego Podcast. Joining us today is Vanessa.

A few years ago, Vanessa lived in her car and lost her three children while she battled addiction. In her own healing process, she started a non-profit program, Oceanside Homeless Resource, now also called “Love on the ground.”  Listen to Vanessa’s powerful story about hope, love, compassion, open hearts and minds.  In Vanessa’s own words, “Let us walk together and be love on the ground.”

Contact Us:
interfaithservices.org/contact

Learn more about HEAL, Homeless-Experienced Advocacy & Leadership Network: housingsandiego.org/heal-network

Safe Villages

Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, welcomes you to the Homeless in San Diego Podcast. Joining us today is John Brady and Levi who share a bit about their lived unsheltered experiences and their strong recommendation for San Diego community members supporting people-centered solutions including Safe Villages.

There is growing discussion in San Diego around the need to create safe villages, either as alternatives to traditional shelter or addressing our need to increase capacity as the shelters are full. This is a conversation you do not want to miss.

Housing Our Youth

Please join us in listening to our inspiring conversation with David Baker and Justin Lipford.  David serves as the Program Director for Housing Our Youth at the YMCA of San Diego County. David has previously been a guest on our podcast (March and April 2019), sharing his personal journey experiencing generational homelessness and inspiring others to elevate their voices for change.  David’s advocacy work focuses on matters of equity and access for young adults. Justin serves as the Director of Community Engagement for YMCA’s Community Support Services in San Diego, and is passionate about connecting young adults to the resources necessary to flourish.  

Contact Interfaith Community Services:

Call (760) 489-6380 to speak with a Case Manager Weekdays from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. For emergency services during non-business hours, please call 211. 

Contact David Baker: 760.908.9126 | dbaker@ymcasd.org 

Housing Our Youth is a program that provides specialized assistance to young adults up to the age of 24 who are at-risk or experiencing homelessness. The program is designed to intercept youth experiencing homelessness and provide them with emergency housing and wraparound support, while simultaneously searching for more permanent and stable housing options.  www.ymcasd.org/contacthoy

John Brady & Bruce, San Diego Homeless-Experienced Advocacy and Leadership (HEAL) Network members

John Brady and Bruce, San Diego Homeless-Experienced Advocacy and Leadership (HEAL) Network members, joined us in conversation addressing myths, the importance of move-in ready housing with integrated services, financial accountability and system improvements are integral for success in supporting our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Learn more about John’s initiative Lived Advisors, People who have experienced homelessness being compensated for their work serving as advisors: https://www.livedadvisers.com/

Interested in supporting Interfaith Community Services?
www.interfaithservices.org/donate

Contact Us:
www.interfaithservices.org/contact

Ross' Journey

Ross at the Interfaith Community Services’ Offices

Host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, welcomes you to the Homeless in San Diego Podcast. Joining us today is Ross.

Prior to connecting with Interfaith, Ross shares, "My life was in shambles. Interfaith saved my life. I am now on the right path with sobriety, purpose, and a whole new outlook on life.”

Resources:

Interested in supporting Interfaith Community Services with your year-end gift?
www.interfaithservices.org/donate

Contact Us:
www.interfaithservices.org/contact

Video Podcast:

Want to watch CEO Greg Anglea and Ross on Youtube? https://youtu.be/7xA5tXPXJSk