Member Spotlight: Interfaith Community Services

What services and/or specialty products do you provide? Interfaith Community Services provides access to comprehensive and vital resources to meet the basic needs of community members to empower them towards independence.

We offer Case Management, Food Assistance, Shower/Laundry facilities, Vocational Development, vocational training for veterans, reintegration services, job placements, mental health assessments/counseling, bridge housing and emergency shelter, homeless outreach services, live-in detoxification, sober living support, post-hospitalization recuperative care, rental/mortgage assistance, Low-income affordable housing, and more.

How long have you been in business at your current location? Interfaith Community Services has served North County San Diego area for over 40 years.

What sets you apart from others in your industry? Interfaith Community Services is the largest non-profit in North San Diego County and provides care with a level of compassion and dignity that is unmatched in our field.

What question are you asked most frequently by clients / prospective buyers?

Q: “Do you only provide services for the unhoused?”

A: No, we serve our entire community. Interfaith has programs aimed at assisting people experiencing a variety of challenges besides just homelessness.

Q: “Are you a religious organization?”

A: No, Interfaith Community Services is a 501© non-profit that was founded by a collaboration of different Faith organizations but is not operated by Faith Organizations. And while we do often work in partnership with Faith-based organizations, our services are available to all people regardless of faith, race, gender identity or any other identity marker.

What is your favorite business success story? Meet David, who will be a beneficiary of this year’s “Adopt-A-Family” Holiday gift-donation program.

David is a diligent worker who wants to put his life together so he can be there for his family and experience the joys in life. David grew up in Lake Tahoe where he developed an appreciation for nature. He has a degree in History and was a deep-sea diver for years, which prompted him to get certificates in vocational rehabs. For a time, David owned several vocational rehab centers but after some challenging circumstances at work, he had to start selling off his businesses due to a loss of income. It was incredibly difficult for David and he turned to drug use to cope with the loss. He spiraled for a while and ended up in the hospital for 10 months, which was the beginning of him losing everything. Over the course of that time, David lost his family, his partner of 16 years, and their two adopted children. His life continued to unravel until David ended up homeless for 4 years. Eventually, David found Fraternity House. Fraternity House connected him with Interfaith, and with a lot of hard work, David overcame his addiction. David has been sober for over ten years now and has repaired his relationship with his mother and partner. He continues to develop and learn new skills and is grateful for a second chance at life.

What motivated you to join The San Marcos Chamber? The San Marcos Chamber and its many members seem to clearly share Interfaith’s commitment to community investment.

What are you looking forward to accomplishing with the Chamber? We are excited to explore ways to better partner with our community members in order to create opportunities for positive change in our area. This could possibly include joint efforts at community development, tailor-made and unique volunteer opportunities, or other methods of community engagement/support.

What’s your best piece of business advice? Lead with respect nd patience in all things. Staying true to your organization’s mission, team, and clients will always bring incredible benefits to everyone involved.

Other San Marcos work:

Interfaith partnered with San Marcos TrueCare in Fall 2020. Interfaith and TrueCare saw an increase of need in the San Marcos community. During this time, interfaith received COVID rental funds from the city of San Marcos. TrueCare was able to offer a work space for Interfaith’s case manager in efforts to be closer to the community. Being closer eliminated some of the barriers our community faces such as transportation. For the past two years Interfaith has continued to work closely with the city of San Marcos and TrueCare. Interfaith provided $408,801 in rental assistance to prevent homelessness for 80 families consisting of 149 adults and 120 children.

Interfaith received another grant at the beginning of 2022 from the Rancho Santa Fe foundation in efforts to help our older adult population living in San Marcos. These funds are designated to prevent and house older adults residing in SM. The funds are flexible and they can be used for different purposes such as car repairs, medical bills, deposit and rent assistance. The case manager works closely with the client to reach self-sufficiency. If there is transportation or a physical barrier, case manager is able to conduct home visits. The goal of this grant is to serve 100 people to remain or obtain permanent housing. We continue to seek partnerships to support the community as much as possible.

Follow Interfaith Community Services on Instagram: @interfaithcs

Follow Interfaith Community Services on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/interfaithcs

Visit Interfaith Community Services website: interfaithservices.org

Visit Interfaith Community Services: 550 W Washington Ave, Escondido, CA 92025