District Grant Targets Homelessness

Thursday, March 26, 2009

PALM SPRINGS, CA – March 26, 2009: Directors of the Desert Healthcare District today awarded a $45,000 grant to Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFSSD) for the Desert Horizon transitional housing program. With matching federal HUD funds, this award helps operate a system of five transitional housing units located throughout the District providing an essential link between homelessness and permanent housing.

"Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s Riverside County Operations has achieved great success working with our underserved population," said Director Sid Rubenstein, DDS, Chairman of the Desert Healthcare District Program Committee. "Transitional housing is a bridge that reduces burden on the health care system while also serving as a tool to help people avoid becoming homeless again in the future." Dr. Rubenstein added, "Not only does this grant benefit the individual directly affected but every resident is served by JFSSD’s outstanding program to reduce homelessness throughout our District."

In addition to transitional housing, Desert Horizon provides food, case management services, transportation and other support to improve income, budget and self-determination skills for area homeless individuals and families.