Today’s newsletter is presented by Wild Fork.
Happy Thursday, Beach and Bay!
A few months after the ribbon cutting, I’m pleased to share an update on Compass Commons: all six cabins are officially occupied, and our unhoused neighbors now have a safe place to rest.
In a converted parking lot on Cass Street, Compass Commons offers private, dignified shelter to the Community Care Crew – a group of six unhoused neighbors employed at local businesses, working toward a fresh start and permanent housing stability. The project comes from Shoreline Community Services, built in collaboration with local churches, businesses, and neighboring town councils.
When I covered this story for Times of San Diego in July, the cabins were standing but still empty, waiting on an occupancy permit from the City of San Diego. Creating a first-of-its-kind emergency housing community came with some hiccups at city hall, and that final permit took longer than expected. But now that the residents have moved in, they are already feeling the positive impacts of this transitional shelter.
“I can finally relax and get some sleep,” one resident shared with Caryn Blanton, the executive director of Shoreline. “Being off the street makes all the difference.”
Another resident shared, “It’s easier to show up to life knowing my personal items are safe – and so am I!”
The Community Care Crew works every day to make our neighborhood better, and our neighborhood has come together to support them in kind. The curtains in each cabin were sewn by a PB local. Upon moving in, each resident received a welcome basket put together by surrounding neighbors. And there’s around-the-clock security every night, to ensure everyone’s safety.
This warm welcome highlights so much of what makes our beach areas special – community, good care and looking out for one another.
P.S. If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out PB Beachfest on October 3rd!
Ashlyn Lipori-Russie
Beach & Bay Press newsletter host
Beach & Bay story spotlight
The Sleepwalkers bring their ‘cumbiabilly’ sound to Pacific BeachFest
By Roman Aguilar • Times of San Diego
The Sleepwalkers will headline a day of music ranging from ’90s covers and pop-punk to DJs, school ensembles and local jazz and blues groups across three stages.
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