Jeffrey Sitcov, Founder/CEO Doors of Change

Jeffrey Sitcov, Founder/CEO Doors of Change (A 501C3 organization), proudly announces that this is the FIRST TIME in over 22 years that we have placed 688 youth/year in safe housing the last couple of years. Shattering records from previous years. They have also reached another milestone of helping place over 2800 homeless youth in safe housing since 2001. HUD STATS: In recent years, 2023 saw increases among homeless families with children, veterans and unaccompanied young people. Since 2022, the number of families with children experiencing homelessness rose by more than 15%. The increase was almost completely driven by families who were able to access homeless shelters. People ages 24 and younger made up 22% of all homeless young people in 2023, according to HUD Since last year, the number of unaccompanied homeless young people increased by 15%, including increases for sheltered and unsheltered youth. Foster youth who age out of the foster care system without secure housing and LGBTQ+ youth are some of the groups most likely to fall into youth homelessness.
         Transitional Age Youth (TAY) 17-25 are the most undeserved homeless population.
          90% of Homeless TAY youth come from very dysfunctional homes.
          40% of Homeless TAY are LGBTQ (Nationally & San Diego).
          Lack of Trust prevents TAY from asking for help.
         Music and Art instruction builds trust months sooner than typical outreach.
         Case Management gets TAY many resources including safe housing.
          Mental Health referrals have increased by 105% in 1 year.
         Ex Homeless Youth have become role models and are now lawyers, doctors, engineers, employee of the year, and all are self-sufficient.