The article in the latest Beach & Bay Press on homeless (Homeless expert: ‘Understanding, resources and leadership is needed’) lacks depth in many ways. While we appreciate the Beach & Bay Press bringing up this timely topic, more research on the topic seems necessary.
Mr. McConnell, as a homeless expert, seems to forget sharing many assistance programs currently running to assist the homeless population in Pacific Beach. I do note that he mentions several services (agencies) that assist with the homeless community- more specifically: 1.) Pacific Beach Homeless Coalition 2.) San Diego Youth Services 3.) Regional Continuum of Care. But this is hardly all that services this community. Maybe these are just those agencies that get funding from the local or state government.
Why did Mr. McConnell fail to mention the many other assistance agencies (and churches) that work directly with the homeless? I will list these below. Maybe Mr. McConnell can attend CCSA’s 2017 primary money raiser next year – the CCSA WALK in Mission Bay Park. I am not at all sure why Mr. McConnell has not included the many churches and church outreach programs in the Pacific Beach area. To his credit, he did say in one sentence, “I know the churches out there do their part” (a rather shallow statement).
– CCSA (Community Christian Service Agency) – averages approximately 600-plus clients every month. Assistance includes: clothing, sack lunches, blankets, rain ponchos, limited bus passes, nursing staff, getting ID’s, signing up for Obamacare, laundry services, amongst the many others. Services vary with the individual’s needs. There are numerous volunteers in this organization!
– Salvation Army – Monday through Friday – food, bus passes, day trippers.
– Pacific Beach Presbyterian – Sundays – meals.
– St. Brigid’s Church – second and fourth Mondays – meals.
– St. Andrews by-the-Sea Episcopal Church – meals.
– Pacific Beach Christian Church – breakfast burritos delivered in the beach area (usually 80-100 provided).
– United Methodist Church – meals and medical/dental, acupuncture, chiropractic and other services.
– St. Andrews by-the-Sea Episcopal Church – morning breakfast.
– Christ Lutheran Church – lunch meal.
-PATH – @ P.B. Library – San Diego’s Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP) – A) employment  B) Housing (interim and permanent)  C) on-site assessments  D) program referrals  E) general questions/answers.
– Beach Area Family Health Centers – servicing those who do not have insurance or money to pay for services regarding one’s health.