Recently, multiple news reports have highlighted the pending displacement of RV tenants currently residing at Green Oak Ranch. Unfortunately, those stories have been incomplete or contained inaccurate information, placing undue criticism on Solutions for Change. We feel it is important to set the record straight by clarifying the details of the situation.
Earlier this year, Solutions for Change was selected through a competitive process to become the new lessee of a large portion of the Green Oak Ranch property. This decision was based on our 25-year track record of addressing the root causes of family homelessness and reputation in the community. We are honored to carry forward our legacy at this new property beginning in the new year.
Green Oak Ranch Ministries, a non-profit organization and the current lessee of the land, has been operating a number programs at Green Oak Ranch for sometime, including overnight camps, an RV park, and more. As we approach the transfer of the property, it is standard procedure for the land owner to notify the current lessee to vacate their programs and residents by a certain date to make ready for the new lessee. Again, this is standard practice anywhere when transferring property from one organization to another.
Solutions for Change has expressed interest in potentially reopening some of the programs currently operated by Green Oak Ranch Ministries, including the RV park, under our management. However, as responsible organizational leaders and program managers it is imperative that any new program meet three key criteria: That it be legally operated, financially viable, and fit programmatically within our existing highly successful model. Our due diligence has uncovered some very concerning information:
The City of Vista has confirmed that the current RV park has operated illegally for many years without the required permits. As a nonprofit dedicated to legal and sustainable solutions, we cannot take over an unpermitted and unlawful operation. It is unclear how much effort, time, and expense would be required to remedy this.
The operating model of the RV park is incompatible with the model we have operated successfully for 25 years. At Solutions for Change, we focus on empowering individuals and families to break free from dependency through comprehensive, life-transforming programs. It would not be responsible or effective for us to assume responsibility for a model that does not align with our philosophy.
The former lessee, nonprofit Green Oak Ranch Ministries, was able to offer free housing and low rents because they leased the 110-acre property for $1 per year. In contrast, Solutions for Change must raise funds to pay for the substantial market rate lease payment. Continuing an RV park under these financial conditions would jeopardize our broader mission and financial sustainability. We have requested detailed information about the park’s financial circumstances, but the response has been limited, leaving more questions than answers. We will not assume any program that could jeopardize our broader mission and sustainability.
We have reached out to all impacted families, offering them the opportunity to join our programs, which include structured support and sobriety requirements. We have also offered access to other housing services. Many have declined our offer. Thankfully, according to media reports, most families and residents have found alternate living circumstances.
Solutions for Change remains steadfast in our values and approach. In the past, we walked away from tens of millions of dollars in government funding because we refused to compromise our mission or participate in systems that foster dependency. We will continue to operate in ways that are legal, financially responsible, and true to our core beliefs.
To our community: We are here to serve and work alongside you to create sustainable solutions that truly transform lives.
https://solutionsforchange.org/
