very young, and then I grew up playing them in their chores, or help them by pro- sports. So, I think both of those left a pas- viding them childcare. Now my projects sion for caring in a sense of having value are more bigger picture, longer-term hous- in the world in a way. So yeah, obviously ing models and strategies. losing my dad was a big deal. He was very AD: So you mentioned a lot of projects caring and compassionate, so I think I got in your presentation. Out of those proj- that from him. ects, such as the RCCC, VASH, Section 8., AD: So growing up, is this what you envi- which one strikes you the most? sioned you’d be doing? MO: I think VASH. Like in the video MO: I did. I definitely did. I definitely [showed during her presentation to the thought I’d be in a helping type field, and I class], it provides the veterans a housing feel very fortunate that that’s what I do, and sub-city with case management services. I do truly feel that I make an impact, and They’ve also reduced requirements that the that’s a big deal. traditional requirements Section 8 vouch- AD: So in your presentation, you talked ers have. It’s very specialized, and well Megan O’Dowd: We Are All about how you grew up in New York, how thought out, and brings together a lot of is the homelessness different over there public and private organizations to impact Impacted than over here [San Diego]? veteran homelessness. By: Andrew Defante MO: Yeah, I feel like San Diego surprising- AD: Yeah, these projects seem well thought ly has a worse homeless population. I think out, so what goes through the process of Megan O’Dowd is currently the San Diego’s [population] is much more in developing these projects? Housing Program Analyst for the County your face than it is back east, although you MO: Yeah, it’s a big deal. A lot of it is a gap of San Diego and a chair member for the wouldn’t think that. I feel that it is a much analysis, so looking at what the gap is, even community service group, the San Diego more vulnerable group here in my per- looking at what strengths, weaknesses, Uptown Rosary. She works with a team spective. opportunities, and resources are available. to develop numerous programs to aid the AD: Why do you think they’re so vulnera- And then you have to align it with the homeless throughout the county. I got into ble? In your presentation, you talked about skills and capacity that an organization contact with Ms. O’Dowd by my teacher, the different types of homeless people, and has, and then what your mission is, what Ms. Angie Guerrero. O’Dowd came to our how the chronic type embodies the image you want to accomplish. class at High Tech High Chula Vista on of the homeless people. Why do you think AD: So was it a big jump going from the Wednesday, November 13, 2013 to speak that is? city to the county [position]? to us about the various projects her group MO: I think it’s because you see them. You MO: I did different things with the city. I at the County of SD is working on, and to definitely see them. You may see the same worked more with those who had Section give us more insight about the homeless person on a regular basis. And usually, 8 vouchers, to help them become self-suf- population in San Diego. After she spoke they’re there a lot longer. They seem a lot ficient. So it was different, because I was to the entire class, I sat down with her in more disconnected and threatening. working with people who had that first the teacher’s office, with the goal of digging AD: Threatening in what way? layer of foundation of housing. Now it’s deeper into her knowledge and experienc- MO: I think that they… It’s kind of that really working with the population that has es with the homeless. She had vast knowl- thought of “I wonder how that happened no housing, no support. So, in my old job, edge of the issue and how it all affects us in to that person” and many people conclude I could really talk about impacting youth different ways. that obviously something negative hap- and going to college, long term employ- O’Dowd stressed the importance pened. ment, improving people’s credit, and those of knowledge in order to create change AD: I understand that you work for the type of pieces. Now its on the street, chron- toward the issue. She is very optimistic County of San Diego, how is that different ic, getting them into housing, getting them about putting an end to this problem in than volunteering at a non-profit organiza- these basic needs versus being actually able San Diego, partly due to the fact that we tion? to develop layers on top of that housing. are working on the homelessness project. MO: That’s another good question. AD: About the housing, can you tell me O’Dowd was impressed by the fact that we Non-profit, I feel like I did a lot more di- about the difference between the tradition- all were working together and had such a rect service, like day-to-day helping with al and permanent housing programs? firm foundation of knowledge of the topic, homeless. But in my job now, I do much MO: To make it basic, transitional housing and said that our project has the potential more bigger picture help. This meaning, is two years. That is the most you can stay to touch people and raise public awareness. legislation, local policy, strategic planning, in that type of housing. It can be commu- AD: I just wanted to start this off by asking much bigger picture impact. Both feel very nal housing and shared housing. Perma- you if there is a specific defining moment impactful, but this feels more sustaining. nent housing means they have their own that really defines who you are, and what AD: So you feel that working with the unit that has no end date. So it’s true hous- you stand for today, like any specific expe- county is more sustaining, versus doing a ing. Two years can sound like a long time, rience? day-to-day thing? but it really isn’t. MO: That’s a great question. I think two MO: Yeah, day to day help and assistance. things. My father passed away when I was It was like helping somebody, supporting AD: So how do you determine who gets and couldn’t function. He was out on the you guys have on this issue of homeless- what type of housing? streets and had mental health issues, but ness? MO: Unfortunately, we have way too much was a fantastic and great person but ended MO: You know, I feel the strength in the transitional housing. So a lot of times, the up passing away. He didn’t deserve any of fact that we have a lot of data, and that I wrong people are getting put into transi- that. can see the return. We house 300 veterans tional housing. But transitional housing AD: That’s pretty cool. So you helped him through this VASH program, and provide is usually for people that have short-term out and what not? 1700 vouchers for low-income people. We issues that they can bounce back from. MO: He was great; yeah he actually came have some really specific programs for AD: What are some of these issues? to my college graduation. He was awe- veterans and foster youth. I feel that we MO: So for example, someone that is in an some. make very strategic and well thought out alcohol treatment program. Or somebody AD: And he just passed? decisions at the country on behalf of the that is fleeing a domestic violence situa- MO: Yeah. Actually what happened was programs that we do, and we’re not going tion. So they just need a little bit of time he had Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He had to do something non-impactful and not to really be safe, get their lives together, cancer, which was from the war. He fi- efficient or cost effective. and then be able to move back into a more nally ended up getting a payout from the AD: So you are working with a team, not permanent situation. Permanent housing is VA [Veterans Affairs], it was years, and individually? really appropriate for everybody. Section 8 he hadn’t been compensated at all or got MO: Yeah, overall, in my day-to-day work, is considered permanent. It’s having afford- any benefits for his service. When he did, I work very much in the community but able housing, having housing that you can he bought a trailer. He always said that he with a few others in my own department. afford. couldn’t wait to have TV and sit in a reclin- AD: Oh ok, so can you take me through a AD: You talked about the transitional er, which is what he ended up getting. But normal day for you? housing being something for someone go- he ended up passing, and it was more of MO: Ok, so for example today, I had a ing through a temporary situation, how do the end of the road for him at that point.