RTFH is Updating Outreach Standards and Seeking Feedback
The RTFH, with the assistance of OrgCode Consulting, is updating the Street Outreach Standards. Originally released in 2020, the street outreach standards outline the expectations of what and how the work of street outreach is conducted throughout the Continuum of Care. All outreach workers and their supervisors, whether funded by the County, RTFH, City of San Diego, or the San Diego Housing Commission are welcome and encouraged to participate in the survey. Complete the survey by March 21, 2025 at 4:00PM. Click here to complete the survey.
If there are any questions about the survey, please contact Iain from OrgCode at idejong@orgcode.com.
How Much do You Need to Worry About Hantavirus?
Hantavirus – a family of viruses which can cause serious illness or death – has been in the news lately after the wife of actor Gene Hackman died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, according to New Mexico medical investigators. While exposure to hantavirus is rare, people should be careful around wild rodents as there is no cure or vaccine for it.
The County wants your input on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which starts on July 1. There are many ways to participate in the budget process. Start now by visiting Engage San Diego County to take a survey and to use a new tool to rank County budget priorities in order of importance to you. The survey will be open through March 28.
TODAY! NEW! Clearing the Air: The Real Impact of Vaping
There will be a student and an expert panel discussing the impact of vaping at school, the risks, and what parents should know! Translation is provided.
NEW! Behavioral Health Workforce Fund Informational Session
Join the Behavioral Health Workforce Fund Informational Session! Learn about scholarships, 0% loan options, and share feedback on programs to expand mental health and substance use treatment in San Diego County.
NEW! Mural Reveal Celebration and Dedication Event
Please join us as we celebrate our students, art, and community at our Mural Dedication Event! This free event is open to all. See the vibrant masterpiece we created together, meet the artists, and enjoy a day of connection and inspiration. Explore booths from our amazing partners, featuring resources, activities, food, and more.
NEW! 3rd Annual Mental Health Youth Leadership Summit
Join for a free, youth-led leadership summit for middle and high school students and parents! Sign up to be part of a group working to raise awareness of mental health and break the stigma around mental illness.
Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) - Applications are now open for the Youth Mental Health Academy (YMHA) 2025-2026 cohort. YMHA is a 14-month community-based career development program designed to introduce high school students to the mental health field and equip them with the tools to succeed. Apply by March 31,2025.
APAC 2025 Summer Internship Program- The Asian Pacific American Coalition (APAC) Summer Internship Program is now accepting applications! This is your chance to gain valuable hands-on experience with elected officials and community-based organizations, helping you build skills for your future career.
Urban Surf 4 Kids Hanai Mentoring Program - Urban Surf 4 Kids is accepting applications for volunteers and youth participants in the 2025 Hanai Mentoring Program. Join one of six groups in San Diego County.Urban Surf 4 Kids is now accepting applications here.
Funding Opportunities
NEW! Tracie Jada O’Brien Trans* Student Scholarship - Eligible applicants include students from or residing in San Diego County who are transgender, live outside the gender binary, or are in the process of transitioning starting or continuing education at a 2-year college, 4-year college, technical school, graduate program, or vocation training program.
Closing Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
NEW! Mental Health Service Expansion & Workforce Development Grant- Support nonprofit service providers and workforce development, advancing access to mental/behavioral and early relational health services for families and kids of all ages. The total award amount for this grant cycle is expected to be $1 million for mental/behavioral and early relational health services and $500,000 for mental/behavioral health workforce development.
Closing Date: Friday, March 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM
NEW!Humanities for All Quick Grants - A grant program that supports locally-initiated public humanities projects. This program responds to the needs and interests of Californians, encourages greater public participation in humanities programming, particularly by new and/or underserved audiences. It aims to promote understanding and empathy among all our state’s peoples in order to cultivate a thriving democracy.
NEW!California Competes - The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year.
NEW!Clean Transportation Program - The California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program (previously known as the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program) provides funding to support innovation and accelerate the development and deployment of zero-emission transportation and fuel technologies.
NEW!Contracting Opportunities for Community-based Organizations - The County of San Diego is looking for 10 non-profit, community-based organizations to bid for contracts as part of a new one-year pilot project to support County language services and community engagement. Applications will be accepted until April 1, 2025. Interested organizations can apply through the County’s BuyNet site, an interactive website for suppliers wishing to do business with the County.
The San Diego County Black Infant Health Program (BIH) is a FREE supportive service for pregnant women and new mothers who are at least 16 years of age and self-identify as Black or African American. BIH aims to improve health among eligible mothers and babies by empowering pregnant and mothering, Black/African American moms to make healthier choices for a brighter future. We accept participants at any stage of pregnancy and up to 6 months post-partum, regardless of income.
Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here to learn more.
NEW! Care Connect by Vista Hill Clinic
Vista Hill is a community-based, dynamic non-profit organization. Vista Hill maintains a diverse array of quality services and programs throughout San Diego County, assisting underserved, challenged children, teens, adults, and families. Their three areas of focus are intellectual & developmental disabilities, substance use disorder, and mental illness.
The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) and the Young Child Tax Credit are state tax credits for working Californians. If you qualify, you may see a reduced tax bill or a bigger refund.
San Diego County - Air Improvement Relief Effort Program
The San Diego County Air Pollution Control District is distributing free air purifiers and up to two filters to households affected by sewage odors near the Tijuana River Valley. Eligible households in the City of San Diego communities of Otay Mesa West, San Ysidro, Egger Highlands, Nestor, and Tijuana River Valley, and the City of Imperial Beach, can register online.
The 30-Day Mental Wellness Practice is designed to provide a variety of options to match self-care practices to fit unique needs and lifestyles. Start anytime—whether at the start, middle, or end of the month. Explore the new downloadable and shareable content such as practice materials, optional activity worksheets, and social media content to share the practice with your network and communities.
Please forward to colleagues, staff, partners, and community members as you see fit. New subscribers can sign up here. If you have any questions on the content of this newsletter or have a San Diego County community event you would like to share with us, please email HHSA.communities@sdcounty.ca.gov.
