Dreams for Change

Home
United States
San Diego, CA
Dreams for Change

Dreams For Change: Empowering individuals and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty through innovative solutions and support services.

Dreams for Change is a non-profit organization founded in May 2009 by Teresa Smith, Ph.D. Its mission is to help families and individuals who are struggling due to the recession’s economic downturn. It accomplishes this by creating innovative and cost-effective programs that empower and stabilize their lives. The organization initiated the first congregant Safe Parking Program, a beacon of hope fo

r families and individuals experiencing homelessness while living in their vehicles. Since then, Dreams for Change has pioneered other effective programs that have transformed the lives of thousands, preventing them from slipping into homelessness. Dreams for Change is dedicated to providing a 3 Paths to Stability approach. These paths include:

1. Support: Case Management, Safe Parking, and Safe Sleeping

2. Employment: Workforce Training, Job Readiness & Personal Development Classes, along with job placement or education opportunities

3. Assets: Free Tax Preparation and Financial Literacy

Through these programs, Dreams for Change aims to provide support, and help people stablize employment, housing, and income to people in need, helping them to achieve stability and improve their lives.

08/10/2026

What does it mean to join a workforce training program?

It means earning a paycheck while gaining valuable job skills.

Our Workforce Development Program provides:
• Paid, on-the-job training
• Work readiness classes
• One-on-one support from case managers
• Employment specialists who help you overcome barriers to finding long-term employment
• Confidence, experience, and a path toward financial stability

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future.

If you're ready to take that next step, send us a message to learn more.

08/07/2026

What Does a 720 Credit Score Have to Do With Ending Homelessness?

For Evelyn, quite a lot.

After losing her housing, Evelyn and her sister, Melinda, found themselves experiencing homelessness for the first time, along with their two cats, Pilot and Junebug. Evelyn was working at a gas station, but reduced hours added to the financial challenges they were already facing.

Evelyn continued working while looking for a better opportunity. With support from Dreams for Change, she secured a full-time position as an ECOM Operator with a 3D metal printing company, earning $23 an hour, $5 more per hour than her previous job. DFC also helped repair her vehicle so she could reliably get to work.

At the same time, Evelyn focused on her finances and raised her credit score to 720. DFC staff also worked with Melinda, who has a disability, to apply for SSI.

In July, Evelyn, Melinda, Pilot and Junebug transitioned into subsidized housing through RHAP. Their six-month hotel placement gives the sisters time to pay down debt, build savings and continue their search for an apartment!

“The staff were caring and supportive throughout my employment and housing search, even during times when I started to feel discouraged. Having a safe place to sleep while I worked on getting back on my feet made a significant difference. I appreciate the support I received during this time.” - Evelyn

08/06/2026

Conversation from the Field:
What does it really take to help someone move from homelessness into housing?

For Samantha Hayes, Housing Navigator at Dreams for Change, the answer is rarely simple.

Finding an available apartment is only one piece. There are applications, documents, deposits, income requirements, landlord relationships, and countless barriers that can stand between someone and a place to call home.

Samantha works with participants to navigate those barriers and turn housing opportunities into move-in days.

To read the full interview visit https://www.dreamsforchange.org/conversations-from-the-field-samantha-hayes-is-helping-people-find-their-way-home/

08/04/2026

For many families, tax season means more than filing paperwork. It means getting back money they've earned and using it to pay bills, catch up on rent, buy groceries, or simply breathe a little easier.

This year, our incredible volunteers and staff have prepared more than 15,000 tax returns for individuals and families earning less than $69,000, returning over $15.3 million to our community.

A special shoutout to Carmen, one of our dedicated volunteer tax preparers, who recently helped a client resolve six years of back taxes, including preparing a paper return when it was needed.

The client shared:

"Very quick and efficient. Thank you all for helping me resolve six tax years!"

Thank you to Carmen and every one of our VITA volunteers who make this work possible.

08/03/2026

Monday | Workforce Monday 👩‍🍳

Every meal tells a story.

Behind nearly 70,000 meals prepared this year is a dedicated team of Dreams' Cuisine staff and workforce trainees who show up every day ready to learn, grow, and serve our community.

Our trainees gain hands-on job experience in a professional commercial kitchen while preparing nutritious meals for people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity across San Diego County.

Every recipe builds confidence.
Every shift builds skills.
Every meal creates opportunity.

That's what Workforce Monday is all about.

07/30/2026

Every day, participants come together to share dinner, connect with one another, and build community.

Along with a warm meal, they can take part in activities, meet with service providers, and access resources that support their goals. Whether it's a game, a conversation, or learning about resources, these moments help strengthen relationships and remind people they are not alone.

Community is built one meal, one conversation, and one connection at a time.

Thank you to our staff, volunteers, and community partners who help make these evenings possible.

07/28/2026

Empower your financial freedom! You deserve to keep more of what you've worked hard for. It's not too late to file your taxes. Call 211 💪

07/27/2026

The end of the month can be tough. If you or someone you know could use a little extra food this week, we're here to help.

Join us for our weekly food distribution:

📅 Wednesday
🕙 10:00 a.m.
📍 5605 Imperial Ave., San Diego

Food is available while supplies last. Please share this post so more people who need it know we're here.

Everyone is welcome.

07/23/2026

Community and stability are built one meal, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time.

A huge thank you to the amazing volunteers and donor who host a meals with participants across Dreams for Change programs. These interactions are about more than food. They create opportunities for connection, conversation, and community.

Whether you're a business looking for a meaningful team-building opportunity, a church seeking a service project, or a family or community group wanting to give back, hosting a meal is a simple way to make a meaningful impact.

Interested in getting involved? Send us a message to learn how your group can host a meal at Dreams for Change.

07/21/2026

✨ Volunteer Spotlight ✨

Since 2021, Sarah has been a dedicated Dreams For Change volunteer, generously sharing her time and talents to help our community during tax season and beyond.

By profession, Sarah is a bookkeeper, a career she truly enjoys and takes pride in. Outside of volunteering, you'll likely find her on her yoga mat, spending time with her two daughters, or catching up on some well deserved sleep.

What makes Sarah especially remarkable is her continued commitment after the busy tax season ends. She continues volunteering during our post season services, helping ensure community members can still access the support they need.

Sarah's kindness, consistency, and heart for service have made a lasting impact on countless lives. Thank you, Sarah, for everything you do. We are so grateful to have you as part of the Dreams For Change team💙

If you'd like to learn more about volunteering for next year's tax season, or if you still need to file your tax return, feel free to reach out. We'd love to connect with you.

Address

San Diego, CA

Telephone

+16194970236

Website

http://www.DreamsforChange.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Dreams for Change posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Dreams for Change:

Featured

Water4Life Ministry
PO Box 23361

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in San Diego?