In light of San Diego Pride’s recent announcement regarding its 2025 headliner lineup, The Finest Community Coalition was compelled to speak out due to serious concerns raised about the inclusion of musical artist Kehlani and the impact this decision has on safety, belonging and solidarity across San Diego.

Last week, the San Diego City Council voted unanimously to continue operating the City’s Safe Parking Program under a contract with Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), including the new 190-space H Barracks lot. “The Safe Parking Program has proven to be one of the City’s most successful homelessness programs, helping many participants find permanent housing and access the services and support they need to get back on their feet,” said City Councilmember Dr. Jennifer Campbell, who represents the area. “I am grateful to all the individuals and organizations who have worked together on this innovative approach to addressing homelessness. Specifically, I want to thank Jewish Family Service of San Diego for their dedication to helping us reduce homelessness.”

SAN DIEGO (Updated Feb. 18, 2025) – Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is working to meet the evolving needs of the community in response to recent and anticipated federal policy changes. With a deep commitment to its core value of “Welcome the Stranger,” JFS is focusing its immigration efforts on providing pro bono legal services and community support resources. On Jan. 20, 2025, the federal government ceased use of the CBP One application, which allowed migrants to request asylum at U.S. ports of entry. With migrants no longer able to use the CBP One application, the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) Migrant Shelter Services, operated by JFS, has not received new asylum seeking families and individuals released from short term federal custody into our care. Due to these changes in federal funding and policy, the SDRRN Migrant Shelter Services will be paused until there is better understanding of future community needs.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego and the Center for Jewish Care at JFS are excited to open the next round of scholarship applications for Jewish students in the local community pursing higher education — including college, university, graduate or technical school.

San Diego’s latest and largest Safe Parking lot—the H Barracks operated by Jewish Family Service of San Diego as part of their Safe Parking Program—is welcoming people who are living out of a vehicle and are looking to rest without worry for the night. On Thursday, ABC 10News was the first to go inside the lot since it opened on May 31 and had been welcoming people who don’t have a place to go. Sometimes being homeless doesn’t mean being on the streets.

A 190-space Safe Parking Program site was recently opened by the city of San Diego at H Barracks, offering vehicle dwellers services to help them avert homelessness. The Safe Parking Program provides individuals, seniors, and families a secure place to stay while accessing services and pursuing housing. Sites include restrooms, mental health services, and job training, and participants work with case managers to create individual housing goals. A judge ruled recently in the city’s favor — and against a developer’s request — for a temporary restraining order that would have prevented the swift opening of the H Barracks Safe Parking Program, which is operated by Jewish Family Service of San Diego.

Jewish Family Service of San Diego hosted its annual 2025 Heart and Soul Gala April 26 at the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. With guests, community leaders and JFS partners in attendance, the event celebrated the philanthropic contributions of the 2025 honorees Karen and Jeff Silberman, Solana Beach residents, and Susanna and Michael Flaster, and commemorated JFS CEO Michael Hopkins’ 13 years of leadership, ahead of his retirement this summer.

Nonprofits and city leaders urge state intervention to support San Diegans facing high living costs. Jewish Family Service is actively involved in addressing these challenges through initiatives and offering programs. “Food security is not just about hunger. When families are given access to housing, healthcare, job support and cash assistance, they can put food on the table and build a foundation to not just survive but thrive,” said Kaley Levitt, Jewish Family Services President of Government Affairs.