Outreach
A Safe Haven from Homelessness
Tanya in art class
Tanya had been sleeping on the streets for years . In and out of transitional housing and shelters and struggling against a form of schizophrenia . Tanya had used drugs to self-medicate , was off her medication , and had no support to make a change .
She found the support she needed at the Uptown Safe Haven in Bankers Hill , Episcopal Community Services ’ homeless transitional housing program . Now after two years at the Safe Haven , Tanya is on her path to recovery , working part-time in the kitchen at Scripps Mercy Hospital , taking her prescribed medication , and the best news : she is moving into her own apartment .
“ I live with people who understand where I have been and what I want to do . The staff try to make our days fun and interesting ; they are supportive and easy to talk to . The program gives so much to the residents , and right now , I am able to save for my own place ,” Tanya shared recently .
The mission at ECS is to break barriers and transform communities through programs rooted in a tradition of action and faith in God . The Safe Haven is breaking barriers by meeting people where they are , and walking with them to recovery and independence .
In 2022 , the San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless conducted its annual “ Point in Time Count ” and found 8,427 individuals experiencing homelessness across San Diego County , a 10 percent increase from the previous count . ECS ’ Safe Haven has been on the front lines of the homelessness crisis since 2001 . As National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week
66 GBSAN . COM | NOVEMBER 2022