My name is Priscilla, and I am a mother of five. I grew up in Merced, California in a dysfunctional family with a father and mother both suffering from substance abuse. I was physically abused and left home alone for long periods of time, but didn’t realize this wasn’t normal. My dad left my mom and we moved to Mexico when I was ten, where we went into survival mode, living day by day in the
wilderness. We then moved to Miami where CWS got involved, due to the neglect from my parents. Fast forward, and I was giving birth with a CWS worker telling me that if I want my kids, I must go to treatment immediately. I checked myself into Family Recovery Center with my daughter, while my premature son was in the NICU. I spent nine months there, and was fortunate enough to enroll at Solutions for Change following. At first, I didn’t want the accountability that came with Solutions, but realized this was my only option, and it was the best decision of my life. My case manager was so kind, and the program gave me structure and a sense of self-respect. In January of 2019, I moved into transitional housing. I remember it like it was yesterday. I had never had an apartment for myself and was beyond happy. I got my son back into my care, and was able to start classes. The next thing you know, I had a job at a mortuary, a car, and was enrolled in classes. Good things just kept happening. Then, I landed a job as a substance abuse counselor in San Marcos! I’m planning my future, putting money in my savings account and learning to budget. I have learned the tools to maintain my sobriety and to continue being a good parent and productive member of society. I am very grateful for everything I’ve learned and I hope to inspire other people to continue moving forward. This program will transform your life if you allow it. If you keep doing the right things in life, life will only get better. I have become a better mother, friend, neighbor and human being.
Operation: Solve It!
San Diego has the 4th highest homeless population in the United States, and 1 in 16 children under the age of 6 have experienced living on the streets.
We heard your concern.
You are tired of seeing the ongoing cycle of homelessness leaving San Diego vulnerable to crime, drugs, and health and safety risks. With your help, we address the root causes of family homelessness and train families to be self-sufficient so they never return to the streets again.
Here’s how we’ll do it:
1. See- We see our moms and dads as WORTH IT, instead of worthless, and as an asset instead of a liability.
2. Do- We equip, empower and invest in our families through personal and workforce development programs.
3. Get- Our families will gain freedom and independence, moving from dependency and pain to self-sufficiency and success.
YOU, are a part of the solution to create cleaner and safer streets, so what are you waiting for? Help us bring 50 new families in off the streets by the end of the summer and watch their lives and our community transform before your eyes.
