At Dreams for Change, we know one simple truth: People create progress. When individuals are given services, dignity, and opportunity, they can accomplish great things.
As we reach the halfway mark of 2025, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible determination of our participants and the unwavering support of our staff, volunteers, and community. Here’s how we’ve turned potential into progress so far this year:
🚗 Safe Parking: Resilience in Motion
Since 2010, our Safe Parking program has been a lifeline for individuals and families living in their vehicles. Every parked car represents someone balancing a job, raising kids, attending school, or recovering all without a permanent home. They don’t need rescue; they need support.
So far in 2025:
- 199 households (vehicles) received services
- 283 individuals were supported
- 111 exited to housing or shelter
- 47 children found safety with their families
- 3 households were successfully diverted to alternative solutions
“I was finally able to sleep without fear of someone banging on my windows in the middle of the night and I had a bathroom to use and people to talk to. That changed everything.”
Every safe night matters. It’s not just rest, it’s the start of a new chapter.
⛺Safe Sleeping: A Path to Possibility
Our Safe Sleeping program offers a compassionate, low-barrier alternative for those unable or unwilling to access traditional shelters, particularly those experiencing chronic homelessness.
Participants aren’t required to move daily, and they’re met with staff who help them focus on their goals, whether that’s healing, reconnecting, or finding housing.
Mid-Year Snapshot:
- 930 individuals served
- 101 moved off the streets into housing or shelter
- 64% (approx. 595) were chronically homeless
Every tent we provide is a chance for stability. And behind every number is someone making brave choices, such as entering treatment, reuniting with family, or addressing long-neglected health needs.
🍽️ Workforce & Dreams’ Cuisine: Feeding Futures
From food trucks to shelter staffing, our workforce programs are about more than job readiness; they’re about rebuilding confidence and breaking cycles.
From January to June:
- 123 trainees supported
- 45 secured employment or enrolled in school/training
- 10 completed and are exploring next steps
- 61 actively enrolled at mid-year
And our Dreams’ Cuisine crew is cooking up change:
- 48,172 meals served
- 35,646 lbs of food rescued & shared with the community through our Free Food Distribution
“This program helped me gain skills, confidence, and a way to give back to the community that once was from”
💰 Tax Services: Dollars That Make a Difference
Filing taxes isn’t just paperwork—it’s reclaiming financial power. Our tax services help people access the refunds they’ve earned and the stability they deserve.
In the first half of 2025:
- 16,149 tax returns filed
- $14.6 million in refunds returned to the community
- $5.2M through the Earned Income Tax Credit
- $4M in Child Tax Credit refunds
These funds help families pay rent, keep cars running, and plan for brighter futures.
🌟 What’s Next?
As we continue celebrating 15 years of service, our commitment to innovation and impact remains stronger than ever.
We’re expanding Safe Parking across San Diego County, and sharing our expertise with cities, counties, and nonprofits looking to launch their programs. Our team is growing, and so are the ways we serve.
Here’s what’s on the horizon:
- New Safe Parking sites opening
- Volunteer recruitment is underway for the 2026 Tax Season
- Our Imperial Avenue site just got a beautiful makeover
- Free Food Distribution is back and serving the community
💛 Want to be part of the impact?
You can donate, volunteer, or even join our team. Together, we’re creating lasting change.
