The holiday season is a time of giving, and the Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake embodied that spirit by bringing comfort and essential supplies to housing-insecure families and individuals in San Diego. In collaboration with the nonprofit organization Dreams for Change, our club distributed approximately 365 blankets, hygiene kits, and food and beverages to those living in secure tent encampments near downtown San Diego.
Dreams for Change operates safe sleeping lots designed to provide temporary shelter for families and individuals facing homelessness. Through their work, they create
pathways to stability by addressing barriers, offering employment and educational resources, and fostering income growth. Partnering with this organization allowed Rotary to connect directly with those in need and offer meaningful support during one of the coldest times of the year.
Why This Matters
Karina Santos, Program Manager for Dreams for Change, underscored the importance of this initiative:
“It’s extremely important. We provide them with two meals a day, but anything else added is an added benefit. Whenever individuals like yourselves and other organizations come, the residents get extremely excited. They knew this was coming and at 9 AM, they were lined up waiting for you guys. They couldn't wait to get blankets or a small treat. It’s not part of their normal routine."
For many, the blankets are not just gifts—they are critical to weathering the chilly winter nights. The residents are provided with tents and cots. As Santos shared, while the tents provide insulation, they are not enough to keep residents warm. The blankets Rotary distributed will help trap heat and protect individuals, especially the older adults in the encampments, typically ranging from ages 45 to 75.
A Closer Look at the Population We Served
The encampments are home to a diverse population. Many residents face significant barriers to stability, including mental health challenges, disabilities, and addiction. Santos estimates that approximately:
- 50% of residents struggle with addiction
- 40% experience mental health challenges
- 10% have faced unforeseen hardships, such as job loss or relocation
This event was not just about providing material goods—it was about restoring dignity and offering hope to individuals facing complex challenges.
A Call to Action
As Santos highlighted, the community can make a long-term difference by supporting programs that focus on workforce development and financial literacy. “Investing in them—helping them understand taxes, filling out W2 forms, and the job process—can set them on a path to stability. With the right resources, they can move from these programs into apartments and live self-sufficiently.”
The Rotary Club of Chula Vista-Eastlake is proud to be part of this effort, and we invite our community to continue supporting those in need. By working together, we can provide not only warmth but also opportunities for growth and independence. View our event reel here: https://youtube.com/shorts/JsKZoEIu4sA?feature=share
If you’d like to get involved or contribute to future projects, reach out to us at RotaryClubEastlake@gmail.com . Let’s continue spreading kindness, one act of service at a time.
When: Saturday, March 15, 2025
Making a Difference
Chula Vista, CA 91910
United States of America