What is Safe Sleeping and how are the HandsOn San Diego volunteers helping?

December 16, 2024

HandsOn San Diego proudly partners with Dreams for Change, a nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting the needs of communities by creating innovative and cost-effective programs that empower and stabilize the lives of underserved families and individuals. 

Let’s explore their newest initiative, the Safe Sleeping program, developed in collaboration with the City of San Diego. Launched in July 2023, this program offers safe, legal spaces as alternatives to traditional congregate shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness. Shortly after its launch, Dreams for Change reached out to expand volunteer opportunities to support this new program. Kelly Spoon, Director of Communications for Dreams for Change, explains how volunteers have contributed to the program in its infancy:

HandsOn San Diego volunteers exemplified compassion and dedication by assisting new participants in setting up their tents and cots, ensuring their belongings were secure. They fostered a sense of community by playing games, serving food, and tirelessly cleaning up the site, making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

The Safe Sleeping program has two locations: B Lot, situated in a city parking area that is level and accessible for individuals with mobility issues, and O Lot, a larger site on the edge of Balboa Park with multi-tiered areas that accommodate three times the number of tents and people as B Lot. Those seeking to enter the program can call 2-1-1 or visit the Housing Navigation Center. Each individual is assessed to determine which program best meets their needs. 

Upon arrival at Safe Sleeping, each person completes intake paperwork that outlines the program details, rules, and available services. Participants are provided with their own tent (couples may share a tent), a cot, a sleeping bag, and, when available from donation drives, blankets, hygiene kits, and a tarp. They are welcome to bring pets, and provisions are made for their care. Dinner and a light breakfast are served, along with access to filtered drinking water, showers, and laundry trailers. Participants have also created kitchenette-style areas to prepare food purchased with their EBT benefits, and charging stations for their electronic devices such as mobile phones and portable speakers. Both sites are fenced, and onsite security is provided. A 10:00 PM curfew is in place to ensure residents get the rest they need. Accommodations are made for working individuals and those who have other conflicts.

Dreams for Change participants receive case management support, as well as access to job opportunities, housing navigation services, and onsite medical and dental care provided by various service providers on a rotating calendar. This structure helps ensure participants remain engaged and supported. With the assistance of Dreams for Change’s community partners, individuals can also connect with the DMV, Homeless Court, Social Security, VA, and disability benefits. 

Kelly Spoon also shared why she relies on HandsOn San Diego for all their volunteer opportunities:

The backend of their platform has helped us provide funders with additional insight into how volunteers engage with us. Plus, it offers a comprehensive end-of-the-year report that we include in our annual audit. HandsOn San Diego aligns with the mission and values of Dreams for Change. We are incredibly grateful for HandsOn San Diego's invaluable partnership! Their support has been absolutely amazing, allowing us to offer a wide range of opportunities for community members to make a positive difference. Their platform and support staff help us save valuable time and resources by doing what they do best: finding and connecting amazing volunteers to our opportunities.

HandsOn San Diego supports the Dreams for Change Safe Sleeping mission by providing volunteers who assist with various tasks, including site cleanup, trash removal, cleaning common areas and tents, serving meals, walking pets, and organizing group events and self-reporting on in-kind donation drives. Dreams for Change also offers opportunities for individuals needing court-ordered community service hours, recognizing the connection between justice involvement, homelessness, and poverty. Everyone deserves a fresh start.

To see how you can get involved with the Safe Sleeping program or one of Dreams for Change's other amazing programs, visit their profile on the HandsOn San Diego website.