St. Paul's Cathedral Epiphany Party

St. Paul’s collected baby necessities for ECS Head Start families. December 2022.

St. Paul's Cathedral Family Ministry recently hosted an Epiphany party to support ECS Head Start by collecting baby formula and diapers. These basic necessities are essential for families with young children and can make a significant difference in their daily lives. The act of donating these items reflects St. Paul's commitment to supporting families in need. This example of a community coming together to help those in need is truly heartwarming.

Epiphany is a significant celebration during the Christmas season in many cultures worldwide, marked by feasts, gift-giving, and religious ceremonies. St. Paul's Cathedral celebrated the occasion by giving back to the community and making a meaningful impact on families in need. This demonstrates the true spirit of the season and shows how small acts of kindness can bring immense joy to those in need.

Thank You for Supporting Family-to-Family for the Holidays

Santa’s little helper happily receiving her family’s gifts. December 2022.

Family-to-Family for the Holidays was a success in spreading Christmas cheer to many San Diego families in need. December 2022 marked the second year of Family-to-Family, which is our version of the popular Adopt-A-Family holiday program. 67 families, with at least 250 individuals combined, were supported through this campaign. Each family included at least one client who receives services from our early childhood education, mental and behavioral health clinic, or substance use disorder treatment programs.

More than 47 individual donors and groups came together to make this possible. We extend a special thank you to the following organizations who sponsored one or more families: ColRich, St. Andrew’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, Christ Episcopal Church, Grace Episcopal Church, Girl Scouts San Diego, and ECS Board of Directors.

If you’d like to participate in the 2023 Family-to-Family program, please notify aibarra@ecscalifornia.org.

ECS staff and clients receiving their gifts. December 2022.

Grace Episcopal Church volunteers attend wrapping party to prepare gifts for the three families they sponsored. December 2022.

ECS to Open New "Safe Haven" in Midway District

Mayor Todd Gloria (front left); ECS CEO Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg (front middle); County Board Chair Nathan Fletcher (front right), and other business and healthcare professionals pose after the press conference. December 2022.

We're excited to announce that ECS is expanding its efforts to support our most vulnerable community members.

Our brand new, 22-bed Community Harm Reduction Team (C-HRT) Safe Haven in the Midway District of Point Loma, San Diego, is set to open soon, providing a safe and supportive space for individuals referred by Family Health Centers.

Our compassionate and empathetic team is dedicated to providing evidence-based care, with both lived and professional experience, to help clients on their journey to wellness.

We’re appreciative of Supervisor Nathan Fletcher and Mayor Todd Gloria for their support and leadership in this initiative.

Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference – join us in supporting this critical initiative and get involved.

ECS CEO Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg Speaks at the C-HRT Press Conference

More about C-HRT Safe Haven

ECS CEO Elizabeth (Fitzsimons) Wilberg, speaking at the press conference. December 2022.

ECS leadership and Behavioral Health Director (middle) complete the facility tour. December 2022.

Community & Volunteer Engagement Manager Angel Ibarra (left); Communications Director Adrienne Wilkerson; County Board Chair Nathan Fletcher; and Vice President of Programs Stacie Perez (right) after the C-HRT Safe Haven facility tour. December 2022.

ECS Honors HIV/AIDS Awareness Month

This December, we’re honoring HIV/AIDS Awareness month by advocating for accessible treatment for all. Housing and substance use disorders (SUD) are crucial components of HIV/AIDS treatment and management.

HIV/AIDS and homelessness are intricately related. Unhoused people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) face many challenges in managing their health, including difficulties following medical routines due to their living conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “17% of people with diagnosed HIV experienced homelessness or other forms of unstable housing in 2020.”

Moreover, the CDC reports that SUD is closely associated with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Alcohol, opioids, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and inhalants are common substances associated with high-risk behaviors that increase the likelihood of exposure to HIV. Substance use can accelerate disease progression, interfere with adherence to medical treatment, and worsen the overall consequences of HIV.

We offer programs like Uptown Safe Haven, *Community Harm Reduction Team (C-HRT) Safe Haven, ACCORD, and CERRC which provide housing stability and behavioral health services to unhoused individuals while supporting their overall health. By addressing these complex issues, we help improve the lives of PLWHA and reduce the spread of the disease.

How can you help?
1. Utilize our website to share information about our programs.
2. Encourage others to donate to our programs.
3. Continue discussing the importance of stable housing and SUD as factors for HIV/AIDS treatment. By having these meaningful conversations, we exercise compassion and aid in dismantling barriers that affect underserved communities.
4. Share the HIV Risk Reduction Tool with others.

*C-HRT Safe Haven, a new ECS program, will open by the end of December.