During the fourth annual Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) Conference, held on December 10-11, 2023, at the San Diego Convention Center, over 1,300 participants gathered to discuss innovative solutions for homelessness and housing security. This year’s conference, themed “Harnessing the Power of Purpose,” nearly doubled last year’s attendance, reflecting a growing commitment to address homelessness in the region.
The RTFH Conference serves as a vital platform for collaboration among various stakeholders, including local services, faith-based organizations, government officials, and business leaders. Over the past three years, it has attracted representatives from more than 165 organizations, including policy leaders, service providers, healthcare professionals, and individuals with lived experiences of homelessness.
Panel Discussions and Insights
Caryn Blanton, a representative from Shoreline Community Services, led a panel discussion highlighting their successful operational model at Compass Station, a drop-in resource center for unhoused individuals. Blanton emphasized the importance of collaboration among local businesses, government, and community organizations.
“We talked about how we collaborate with local businesses, government, the faith community, and other organizations,” Blanton stated, noting the necessity of tailoring solutions to specific neighborhoods. “What works for us here at the beach may not work in Point Loma or Clairemont.”
Blanton underscored that community-driven approaches are essential for effective homelessness services. She shared insights on the challenges neighborhoods face regarding unsheltered individuals, encouraging attendees to take an active role in shaping solutions that meet the unique needs of their areas.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Throughout the conference, discussions also centered on the anticipated changes in federal homelessness policy and the potential impact of budget cuts to vital services. Blanton referred to the mood among attendees as “cautious but hopeful,” given the uncertainty surrounding funding for essential programs.
“We’re in a difficult place right now with funding being cut for a lot of people, especially those who were counting on federal funding,” she remarked. “We shouldn’t be saying, ‘Don’t worry, it’s all going to work out,’ because it might not, not for a while.”
Despite the challenges, Blanton expressed optimism about the future of homelessness services. She noted the importance of maintaining dignity and care for the unsheltered population while striving for sustainable solutions. The conference fostered a sense of collective hope among participants, aiming to envision a better future for those affected by homelessness.
By facilitating collaboration and sharing best practices, the RTFH Conference aims to drive meaningful change in addressing homelessness. As communities come together to explore solutions, the overarching sentiment remains that with shared vision and determination, progress can be made.
