The Lucky Duck Foundation today announced the launch of a new, region-wide employment and job training initiative to provide work opportunities and on-the-job training for individuals experiencing homelessness. 

Grants were made by the Lucky Duck Foundation to both expand existing programs and launch new programs across several verticals, including construction, culinary training, food rescue, community beautification, Transition Age Youth (TAY), conflict resolution, and more. This commitment expands and extends LDF’s initial $1 million employment and job training investment, which benefited well over 500 individuals. 

“More individuals in San Diego experiencing homelessness cite employment as the key factor in ending their homelessness than affordable housing,” said Drew Moser, Lucky Duck Foundation’s Executive Director. “This $1 million investment provides critical funding to create training opportunities and jobs for as many as 650 individuals, with the ultimate goal of helping people secure long-term employment to help break the cycle of homelessness.” 

Ten organizations were selected from a competitive pool of applicants and include the following: 

“We are excited about the opportunity to train our homeless youth about the value of not just getting a job but keeping a job to help them stay off the streets for good,” said Eric Lovett, Founder & CEO of Urban Street Angels. “They say ‘a job is what you are paid for but a calling is what you are made for.’ Thanks to the Lucky Duck Foundation’s support, we are able to help our youth find their passion and calling to do and be whatever they set their mind to.” 

“The Salvation Army is excited to further collaborate with the Lucky Duck Foundation and Feeding San Diego to provide job training and employment opportunities to people experiencing homelessness while rescuing food and reducing waste. We have been very encouraged by this life-changing endeavor and we look forward to doing more,” said Megan Dowell, The Salvation Army’s Homeless Services Director. 

“San Diego College of Continuing Education specializes in offering support and guidance beyond the classroom to help San Diego’s most vulnerable populations succeed in higher education and in the workforce,” said Carlos O. Turner Cortez, Ph.D., Chancellor of the San Diego Community College District. “The College’s learning community specific to students facing housing insecurity supports students to transition directly into jobs with livable wages.”

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Makayla Scott

Peer Mentor, Promises2Kids
 
As an African American first-generation college graduate, I recently earned my Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning Management and Design. Despite facing the challenges of homelessness and balancing motherhood, I have persevered and am committed to using my experiences to advocate for better urban planning and support for vulnerable communities.”