United Way of San Diego County Announces Next Strategies to End Chronic Homelessness

SAN DIEGO - April 10, 2013 - PRLog -- United Way of San Diego County Announces Next Strategies to End Chronic Homelessness LeSar Development Consultants Will Further Implement the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness (PTECH) in San Diego County, Advance United Way’s Project 25

SAN DIEGO (April 9, 2013) – Much has been achieved in the endeavor to prevent and end chronic homelessness throughout San Diego County. Still, there is more to be done.

United Way of San Diego County (http://liveunitedsd.org/) has announced the next phase of its work in ending homelessness, contracting with LeSar Development Consultants to help accelerate the effort.

“Through Project 25, we are proving that the Housing First/ Housing Plus model works to save both taxpayer dollars and lives. Now, with LeSar’s help, United Way is in a position to take the next steps in our mission to end chronic homelessness,” said Doug Sawyer, United Way’s president and CEO. “LeSar and her team bring a depth of experience to this issue.”

Jennifer LeSar, president and CEO of LeSar Development Consultants, said, “We are honored to work more closely with United Way to change communities and lives by moving the most vulnerable members of our community off the streets and into permanent housing and supportive services.”

Among the strategies United Way will focus on in the near future:

• Successfully Complete Project 25
Data sharing and identifying alternate resources to sustain the participants long term.

• Increase Supply of Affordable Housing
Advocating for an increase in permanent supportive housing units and rental assistance, as well as removing barriers to access existing housing.

• Advocate at the Local, State and Federal Levels
Pushing for an increase in funds allocated to affordable housing and permanent
supportive housing units.

• Strengthen and Broaden Community Support and Involvement
Scaling up “Home Again” public engagement campaign to get more San Diegans involved in solving the issue of homelessness.

United Way’s recent achievements include housing 36 of the most frequent users of public resources through Project 25, which saved the community over $1.4 million in 2012, as well as funding the acquisition of IDs for highly vulnerable veterans so they can obtain housing more rapidly. A longtime leader on homeless issues, United Way also created the Regional Task Force on the Homeless in 1984 and led the creation of PTECH in 2006.

About United Way of San Diego County

United Way of San Diego County is part of a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways around the world. Locally, United Way is creating sustainable change in the areas of education, income, health and homelessness. We harness the collective power of nonprofits, community leaders and thousands of individuals to create change by giving, advocating and volunteering. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to get involved. To learn more, visit http://www.uwsd.org, our Blog, (http://www.uwsd.org/blog) Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/United-Way-of-San-Diego-Cou...) and Twitter. (http://twitter.com/%23!/liveunitedsd)

About LeSar Development Consultants

LeSar Development Consultants (LDC) is a social innovation firm led by recognized thought leader Jennifer LeSar and staffed with a team of diverse, technical experts. LDC’s mission is to grow thriving, healthy and vibrant communities. The firm helps clients build sustainable communities through social innovation and a multidisciplinary approach. LDC provides creative solutions to complex problems with expertise in housing, homelessness, workforce and economic development, sustainability, transportation, and community engagement. To learn more about LeSar Development Consultants, visit http://www.lesardevelopment.com or Twitter. (https://twitter.com/LeSarDev)