VISTA, CA (June 7, 2024) — Solutions for Change, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of homeless families, has announced an innovative partnership proposal for the City of Vista regarding the future of Green Oak Ranch. The proposal, which was sent to Vista Mayor John Franklin and all Vista Councilmembers on Thursday evening, aims to balance the community’s need for open space and recreational areas with sustainable, effective solutions for homelessness, benefiting both the city and its residents.
Solutions for Change was approached by the Green Oak Ranch land board in June 2023 to consider purchasing the property. After a thorough, competitive vetting process, the organization was selected as the preferred new owner, and a Letter of Intent was signed in February 2024. In recent weeks, the County of San Diego made a play for the property, promising to convert it into a regional behavioral health hub.
Chris Megison, Founder and CEO of Solutions for Change emphasized the organization’s long-standing dedication to the Vista community and the contrasting approaches to addressing homelessness. “Our model, which has a successful 25-year history, focuses on providing drug-free, accountability-based services that tackle the root causes of homelessness. Unlike the County of San Diego’s Housing First strategy, which often overlooks the complex needs of individuals and doesn’t prohibit substance use, our approach equips families with the tools and support they need to overcome their vulnerabilities and become self-sufficient, contributing members of society,” said Megison.
In response to tremendous community opposition to the County’s plan, the City of Vista voted on May 28th to attempt to purchase the property itself.
Solutions for Change’s proposed partnership with the City of Vista is intended to preserve open space and create ball fields for Vista residents while protecting their safety and neighborhood character. It includes the following key elements:
● Leasing approximately fifty acres to the City for $1 per year for a mutually agreed period, with an option for the City to purchase the property for $1 in the future.
● Maintaining the open space character of the ranch while developing a vocational training academy dedicated to addressing the root causes of homelessness.
● Utilizing Solutions for Change’s proven model focused on solving the root causes of homelessness through drug-free, accountability-based services and vocational training.
The partnership proposal promises several significant benefits for Vista:
● Community access to open space and ball fields at no additional taxpayer expense.
● Establishment of a state-of-the-art workforce training center generating jobs and tax revenue.
● Savings of over $12 million, enabling the city to allocate funds towards other municipal improvements.
● Long-term solutions for homelessness, fostering lasting transformative outcomes for families.
“Solutions for Change is homegrown in Vista with a 25-year history. Solutions is different because they focus on recovery of the whole person and long term independence. I am optimistic about early discussions between Solutions and the City exploring meaningful partnership opportunities.” Vista Mayor John Franklin.
“We believe this partnership will serve the best interests of the City and its residents, providing a balanced and effective solution that honors the legacy of Green Oak Ranch while addressing critical community needs,” added Megison.
About Solutions for Change:
Solutions for Change solves the root causes of family homelessness using a ground-up, community-based and social enterprise-driven approach. To preserve its model of personal accountability and drug-free housing, Solutions for Change chooses not to use government funding. Formed in 1999 under IRS code 501(c)3, the nonprofit’s purpose and passion is to transform the most vulnerable and dependent people into the most empowered, equipped and inspired Overcomers. They do this by equipping and empowering communities to end their dependencies on the systems, substances and things that keep people trapped. Their 10-Year Core Target: 10,000 Overcomers have been developed, deployed and are leading a systems change movement that is transforming how society sees and acts on serving the most vulnerable. Join the fight! For more information, visit www.solutionsforchange.org.
