Collaborative effort aims to change lives of homeless population in refurbished historic building

Dave Fidlin | Downtown News

“Transformation” has been the buzzword used by a number of San Diego officials when describing the recently completed Connections Housing development.

Thirty-five local agencies have pooled resources to bring the development to fruition with the hopes of transforming lives.

But the historic building Connections Housing is now occupying at 1250 Sixth Avenue has also gone through its own transformation, with over a year’s worth of restoration to date.

While there has long been discussion of addressing the needs of San Diego’s homeless populations, efforts have picked up steam in recent years through a collaborative effort between elected officials and local agencies.

Some of the participants in Connections Housing are Alpha Project for the Homeless, Family Health Centers of San Diego, PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) San Diego and Solari Enterprise.

After intensive planning and refurbishment efforts, hundreds of San Diegans turned out March 11 for a grand opening ceremony that offered reflection on the hard work and an optimistic look to the future.

City Council President Todd Gloria is among the local officials who has lent his support and lauded the efforts of the participating organizations.

“This is a game-changer in the way we handle homelessness in this city,” Gloria said. “For too long, we decided that two tents in the wintertime was enough. I personally believe San Diegans care about our homeless population 52 weeks of the year.”

The Connections Housing facility will be offering 223 beds to those in need, and the length of a person’s stay will vary, depending upon his or her circumstances.

A total of 73 beds have been made available in a long-term private apartment setting for those in need of the greatest assistance. Additional beds will serve those in a more transitional phase, with stays ranging from 30 to 60 days.

Each person’s specific needs are determined after an “on the street” case management is conducted by a professional. Other amenities being offered at include a kitchen, health clinic and office areas within the facility.

The recent ceremony was the culmination of efforts to get Connections Housing up and running. The health clinic began operations Jan. 21. The housing of applicants began Feb. 4.

While many officials within San Diego believe the city’s homeless epidemic is complex, the unveiling of Connections Housing is a step forward in reducing its prevalence.

Jessica Wishan, director of PATH San Diego, said the overarching mission of the new development is to reduce street homelessness.

“We look at this as a neighborhood asset,” Wishan said. “This is about saving lives and changing lives at both the individual and community level. We want to make an impact, and we want to do so in a strategic way.”

Alterations within the Connections Housing development were not an easy task. James Silverwood, president and CEO of Affirmed Housing Group, reflected on the preliminary talks three years ago.

“This is an adaptive reuse of a historic building,” Silverwood said. “It had its share of challenges.”

But participating agencies, including Affirmed Housing Group, expressed pleasure in the end result of the historic building, which has roots going back to 1928 when it was used for a variety of purposes, including the World Trade Center and the San Diego Athletic Club.

Wishan said great pains were taken to maintain – and, in some instances, restore – the historic character of the building.

“It all went very quickly,” Wishan said, reflecting on the refurbishments that began Dec. 17, 2011 and wrapped at the beginning of this year.

Financing the Connections Housing development came about through a variety of collaborative efforts. Refurbishing the building carried a $38 million price tag and officials estimate the annual operating costs will be about $3.7 million.

Tax credits are funding a portion of the work, but Wishan said private fundraising from each of the 35 participating non-profits will be used now and into the future.

“Each participating organization has its own individual operating budget,” Wishan said. “It’s a rather complex process and it’s all about collaboration.”

For more information about Connections Housing and its services, visit the organization’s website at sdconnections.org or call 619-810-8600.

Dave Fidlin has been a professional journalist for more than a dozen years. Throughout his career, he has contributed to a variety of newspapers, magazines and websites across the nation. He has a special affinity for San Diego and its people. Contact him at dave.fidlin@thinkpost.net

CONNECTIONS HOUSING BY THE NUMBERS (side bar)

85 | age of building

$38 million | cost to refurbish building

13 | months to complete refurbishments

223 | beds available

35 | agencies providing services

$3.7 million | estimated annual operating budget