There are more than 1.2 million homeless students across the country and 23,000 in San Diego County alone. Research shows that homelessness contributes to a wide range of challenges including psychological and physical problems, safety fears and economic struggles.  The barriers these children face hinder their ability to become contributing members of their families and society and place them at high risk of becoming tomorrow’s homeless adults.

Sheltering children in a safe and welcoming environment is paramount to the welfare of children living on the streets of San Diego County.  FOCUS partners with agencies dedicated to providing temporary housing and the immediate needs of these children.

Burrito Boyz

Kids’ Korner is a separate corner of Burrito Boyz for little kids to have a quiet place away from the crowd of homeless adults who are fed by teenagers.

Projects:  

• Grant to provide individual bags of snacks, juice and fruit for Kids Korner every Sunday. In addition we supplied diapers, school supplies and other requested items.

Father Joe’s

To help build strong families and brighter futures for every child with their Therapeutic Child Care and Family Services. They have a new Transitional Housing Program for new Moms.

Projects:  

• The FOCUS Linda Dorn Grant purchased rocker/gliders for the Infant Classroom in the Therapeutic Child Care Program and furnished each bedroom in the new Transitional Housing Program with a rocker/glider for the mothers and their infants.
• 40 Halloween costumes given to children so they could celebrate Halloween during the pandemic.

San Diego Youth Emergency Shelter

Their Youth Emergency Shelter is the only emergency night shelter in the county for homeless and runaway youth. We provide shelter and support services for children and teens, ages 12 to 17, who don’t have a safe place to live or are victims of physical or sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation.

Projects:

• For 25 years, a FOCUS Grant has provided healthy afterschool snacks for homeless teenagers. In addition we provided miscellaneous items such as blankets and towels.

Urban Street Angels

Their mission is to end youth homelessness by providing emergency overnight shelter, supportive housing and job training opportunities to cultivate personal responsibility.

Projects:

• Clothing Drive to collect and provide clothing for the  “Clothes Closet’ where homeless kids can get new clothes
• Annual grant to provide food, hygiene products and support emergency needs as they arise.

Youth Assistance Coalition

Formed in 2017 to impact the lives of homeless youths through empowerment, mentorship and community collaboration.  Serves ages 12-24 with a volunteer staff, only one paid employee. They provide Outreach and have a Drop-In center.  They connect youths with the appropriate resources to provide access to jobs, housing, and help with educational and vocational plans.

Projects:  

• Purchase essential clothing for boys from underwear to jeans.