May 6, 2008

After a four-month search, Episcopal Community Services has secured a location to house its Friend to Friend (F2F) Program serving mentally ill homeless adults. The previous program previously operated for 22 years out of the same Clubhouse location in the downtown area until the long-term lease was terminated in December 2007. F2F is funded in part by both the County of San Diego through a partnership with the Community Research Foundation, as well by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Press Release:
New Home found for the Friend to Friend Program! Services adapted to benefit mentally ill homeless adults in San Diego. [PDF]

Friend to Friend

Friend to Friend Program serves the needs of mentally ill, chronically homeless adults. Clients of Friend to Friend may be eligible to receive services in the areas of income, housing, and mental health with the goal of regaining independence.

Services Offered

• Outreach, Assessment & Advocacy
• Referrals to Collaborating Agencies
• Housing Assistance & Referral
• Vocational & Educational Reintegration
• Substance Abuse Treatment Referrals
• Health Services Referrals
  - Mental Health
  - Physical Health
  - Vision
  - Dental
• SSI Advocacy
• Legal Assistance Referral
• Case Management
• Transitional Housing
• Socialization & Community Reintegration

Making A Connection

A new component of the Friend to Friend Program is SOS, or Street Outreach Services. The SOS team reaches clients on the streets and visits other agencies to seek out existing and potentially eligible members to provide an array of social services and assistance intended to connect them with services such as housing, income, substance abuse treatment, health and mental health services, general case management, as well as legal assistance. Our core SSI advocacy and vocational reintegration services are also available on an appointment basis and through outreach at other community agencies.

Making A Transition

ECS’ Safe Haven Program provides case management, supported, transitional housing for 18–24 months with the intention of assisting residents to stabilize and transition into affordable, permanent housing. Services may include addressing educational and/or vocational goals, substance abuse and mental health issues and working with clients in long-term life planning.

Friend to Friend Program
4080 Centre Street, Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92103
Tel (619) 955-8217
Fax (619) 955-5142