Press ReleasesSAN DIEGO (Nov. 27, 2024) – Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) CEO Michael Hopkins is a 2024 Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. RTFH is honoring Hopkins with the award for his tireless efforts to combatting homelessness in San Diego County.
Under Hopkins’ leadership, JFS opened and operates six Safe Parking Program lots in San Diego, Encinitas and Vista for people sheltering in their vehicles – creating a pathway out of homelessness and into more stable living situations. Since January 2018, the Safe Parking programs in San Diego County have assisted more than 5,200 individuals and 3,800 households – people of all faiths, backgrounds and ages – who are living in their vehicles, by providing them a safe and secure place to sleep seven days a week. Hopkins has also overseen the growth of the organization overall into the largest JFS outside of New York City, including numerous services available to help people build a better life, including those facing housing insecurity. Services include nutrition distributions and coaching, economic mobility/guaranteed income programs, parenting coaching, older adult transportation assistance and immigration legal help.
“I am humbled to receive this award from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness. Jewish Family Service of San Diego’s commitment to addressing homelessness has been unwavering, and I take great pride in the establishment of our six safe parking lots,” said Hopkins. “I have witnessed how JFS’s work is critical and life-changing for the individuals we serve and transformative for the community. I am continuously grateful for our incredible staff, tireless volunteers, dedicated supporters and visionary board members, who I have the privilege to work alongside to make these services possible.”
Hopkins is a member of RTFH’s Continuum of Care board. As the Continuum of Care lead agency in San Diego County, RTFH administers many of the core federal requirements from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. RTFH also serves as a strategic planning body, funder, regional convener, promoter of best practices, trainer, policy leader and advisor in San Diego’s collective efforts to end homelessness.
Hopkins and Serving Seniors President/CEO Paul Downey, County of San Diego’s Health and Human Services COO Barbara Jiménez and Home Start CEO Laura Tancredi-Baese, will be honored at RTFH’s sold-out annual conference “Mindset, Motivation & Moxie: Rethinking San Diego’s Homelessness Story” hosted at the Hilton Bayfront on Dec. 3 and 4.
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego – Moving Forward Together
Founded in 1918, Jewish Family Service (JFS) is one of San Diego’s most impactful nonprofit agencies – providing resources and support to over 105,000 people every year. Through integrated services, the organization empowers people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds to overcome challenges, set goals, and build more stable, secure, and connected lives. JFS is committed to helping individuals and families move forward, while developing innovative strategies to break cycles of poverty and strengthen our San Diego community.
To get help, volunteer, or support JFS, visit www.jfssd.org or call 858-637-3000.
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