I’ve been asked more than once lately: What does the future look like for Interfaith, given the federal funding cuts and delays we’re hearing about? It’s a fair question — and one that I welcome.
There’s no doubt that nonprofits across North County and beyond are entering a period of uncertainty.
Recent executive actions at the federal level have already led to the freezing, delay or cancellation of funding for critical community services and programs. Many organizations are in limbo.
At the same time, the need for health and human services is growing. The 2024 Point-in-Time Count is just one example, showing a staggering 42% increase in unsheltered homelessness in North San Diego County from just the year prior.
Demand for behavioral health and substance use treatment is also increasing, while public systems strain to keep up and staffing shortages loom. These trends aren’t abstract — they’re being felt right here in our neighborhoods.
At Interfaith Community Services — North County’s largest and most comprehensive social services nonprofit offering more than 75 programs — we’re meeting the moment with preparation, collaboration and a deep sense of responsibility.
For more than 45 years, we have worked in close partnership with local leaders in every community along the state Route 78 corridor, serving more than 20,000 people each year with programs that span affordable housing, homelessness, recovery, mental health care, employment, and services for youth, families, seniors, and veterans.
Even before these recent federal funding challenges, we were working to expand our reach in response to growing local need.
And now, we are doubling down — ready to continue our role as a safety net — knowing that when programs elsewhere are cut, Interfaith is often looked to as a last line of defense for those most in need.
To do that, we’ve launched a Resiliency Fund — a flexible resource that will allow us to bridge funding gaps, adapt quicky, and maintain our programs and services without interruption.
Thanks to a generous community member, all donations to the fund will be matched up to $25,000 through March 31.
At the same time, we’re investing in the local partnerships that make North County stronger.
We’re especially grateful to the city of Escondido, whose leadership and support recently made it possible to expand our detox program with county of San Diego funding.
We are also growing our coastal outreach efforts, working closely with the cities of Carlsbad and Oceanside to expand homeless outreach teams and bring more resources directly to those living unsheltered.
These are powerful examples of what happens when public entities, community stakeholders and service providers come together to meet urgent needs — and they reflect the kind of regional collaboration we want to build upon.
This moment isn’t the first time we’ve faced a period of challenge. After 9/11, during the Great Recession and throughout COVID-19, what carried us through each time was preparation, partnership and community support.
And once again, that’s the steady approach we’re taking now.
Our work isn’t driven by fear — it’s fueled by commitment. We believe in the strength of this region, and we know the people of North County understand what’s at stake when neighbors are in crisis.
If you’ve stood with Interfaith over the years, thank you.
Your support has helped build a resilient organization with deep roots in the community. And if you are learning about our work for the first time, I invite you to join us.
Together we can ensure that North County remains a place where people not only get through hard times but also find their path forward.
Greg Anglea is the CEO of Interfaith Community Services.
