“The program, which provides housing assistance and services worth tens of millions of dollars a year for San Diego County residents, is in jeopardy again.” inewsource.org/2026/05/22/hu…

“Addressing homelessness has historically been a bipartisan concern. Policymakers across the political spectrum have long agreed that homelessness is a serious national problem and that the federal government has a meaningful role in addressing it.” bipartisanpolicy.org/report/…

Don’t ask Brother Batie his real first name. “Most people don’t know my government name, and I don’t share it too often,” he said. “I’m kind of like Batman.” While many people don’t know his proper name, there are many people who do know Brother Batie, who has helped countless young people stay housed and avoid homelessness. Helping struggling youth comes naturally for Batie, who had his own challenges while growing up and sometimes couch-surfed at friends’ houses, which he said sharpened his social skills and has given him empathy with his clients. Batie graduated from San Marcos High School in 2009 and attended CSU San Marcos, where he first became involved in community services through his involvement with the fraternity Alpha Psi Rho. After graduating, he took a job at a sleep-medicine company, where he developed his business acumen. It was a good job but not something he wanted to do long-term, and in 2019 Batie took an entry-level job at the YMCA. As a housing specialist, he helped a case manager with day-to-day tasks, built furniture and prepared rooms at an Oceanside house owned by the YMCA. Things clicked. Batie brought both lived experience and a business sense to his new job. “It was really cool to use both sides of my brain,” he said. Batie was promoted to housing operations manager after two and a half years. By then, the YMCA had purchased a 25-bed apartment complex in Escondido for former foster youth and homeless runaways, greatly expanding the services the nonprofit offered in North County. Last June, the federal Family & Youth Services Bureau awarded the YMCA a grant to launch the Direct Cash Transfer Program, which Batie oversees in his new position as Social Services Program Manager. Under the demonstration grant, 18 San Diego County residents, ages 18 to 21 and in unstable housing or at risk of homelessness, were given $500 each month and access to social services for one year. Clients also receive financial literacy workshops and monthly presentations on subjects they are interested in. The program will have three 18-member cohorts, and the first is in their final month. Batie said he’s confident all will become self-sufficient. “Youth homelessness service is adult homelessness prevention,” he said. “If you prevent someone from entering youth homelessness, there’s a higher chance they will not be an adult homeless person.” Working closely with cohort members, he said there are many misconceptions about young people facing homelessness, including that they are lazy and exploiting the system. Batie said those are untrue perceptions, and he sees a little of himself in the clients he works with. “I think if you were to hyper-zoom in on specific areas of my life, it’d be like,’ Oh, he’s not doing the right thing’ or ‘He’s on the path to trouble,’” he said. “But with guidance, support, allowing myself to make mistakes, I’m just fine now.” -by Gary Warth YMCA of San Diego County

Every day in San Diego, youth organizations are stepping up to support young people experiencing homelessness..offering safe spaces, mentorship, meals, education, and a path forward. These teams are doing the work, but they can’t do it alone. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a difference, this is your sign. Whether it’s an hour of your time, sharing resources, or lending your skills..there’s a place for you in this effort. Find a local organization. Show up. Be part of the change.

Four candidates for San Diego County's District 5 supervisor seat split sharply on homelessness and transit at a forum. Three backed housing-first policy while one called for more law enforcement. On transit, rural access and bus service emerged as a dividing line. thecoastnews.com/district-5-…

NEW: This months data shows that 963 people were housed through the system while more people fell into homelessness.

What we’re investing in is working! It’s clear people WANT to get off the streets. Let’s support that!

That part. We all deserve a home with a door, a bed with sheets, a toilet that flushes.

#ICYMI: "The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes," is NOW AVAILABLE! The report finds that the lowest-income renters in the U.S. face a shortage of 7.2 million affordable and available rental homes and Just 35 affordable and available homes exist for every 100 extremely low-income renter households. Read the report here: nlihc.org/gap

source: kpbs.org/news/living/2026/03…

A heartfelt thank you to every volunteer who joined us for the Point-in-Time Count. Your time, energy, and compassion make all the difference in our efforts to understand and end homelessness in San Diego County. 💙 Stay connected with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness to see the results and learn how your work shapes regional solutions, follow us on social media and sign up for our mailing list at rtfhsd.org. Together, we’re building a stronger, more informed community.

Volunteer spots for #WeAllCount are filling up! If you’ve been thinking about joining the Point-in-Time Count, today is the time to sign up before the volunteer portal closes. rtfhsd.org/about-coc/weallco…

The annual Point-in-Time Count is your chance to make a real difference by helping ensure every unsheltered neighbor in our community is counted and seen. Your participation directly shapes funding, policies, and programs that bring people closer to housing and stability.

Volunteers still needed! Join us January 29th for the annual point in time count. See where you are still needed below. ~Register at sandiego.pointintime.info ~

Cal Cities was proud to join @CSAC_Counties at the @RTFHSD Conference on Homelessness last week. Our CEO @CColeman_Cities participated in a panel highlighting how city–county partnerships, joint advocacy, and a unified voice are critical to addressing homelessness across California.

We are so grateful to everyone who attended "Harnessing the Power of Purpose", our 2025 conference. Where partners from across the region could put names to faces, deepen relationships, and walk away with new peers who are just as committed to this work as we are. Mark your calendars for the 2026 RTFH Conference.

Proof is all around us: when people have housing, homelessness ends. It's not complicated—it's possible. #EndHomelessness ocregister.com/2025/11/26/cu…

Excellent story about the frontline heroes making a difference every day. We are thankful for them! sandiegouniontribune.com/202…

Excellent story about the frontline heroes making a difference every day. We are thankful for them! sandiegouniontribune.com/202…