The Lucky Duck Foundation (LDF) today announced it will deploy more than $2.4 million throughout the San Diego region to accelerate several initiatives designed to alleviate the suffering of homelessness. These investments were first announced at LDF’s “Swing & Soiree” fundraising event held last night at the Santaluz Club.
LDF investments include $1 million to add more than 200 shelter beds in North County and South Bay in partnership with the San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM) and $1 million to extend LDF’s region-wide employment and job training initiative. LDF also honored the late Fr. Joe Carroll, who served as special advisor to LDF’s Board of Directors, by creating the “Fr. Joe Hustler of the Year Award” to recognize an individual or organization who embodies his spirit and ability to help those experiencing homelessness. The inaugural recipient is Heather Fitzgerald, Founder & Executive Director of the Youth Assistance Coalition (YAC). LDF provided a $250,000 contribution to YAC in Heather’s honor.
“We are excited to invest in all of these life-changing programs and we thank our generous donors for making them possible,” said Drew Moser, LDF Executive Director. “There are far too many people suffering on the streets and these investments are designed to immediately help those in need.”
“Everyone in San Diego knows we have a homeless crisis. The Lucky Duck Foundation is about identifying solutions that work to get people off the streets quickly and permanently,” said Donnie Dee, President & CEO of the SDRM. “We are encouraged by their investment and challenged by their desire to change the state of homelessness in San Diego. Biggest of thanks to the Lucky Duck Foundation!”
“I have always had enormous respect for the life’s work of Fr. Joe Carroll. Having our work honored in his name by the Lucky Duck Foundation is humbling and greatly appreciated,” said Heather Lezon, Founder & Executive Director of YAC. “We will use this very generous contribution to help break the pattern of youth homelessness through outreach, empowerment, mentorship, and community collaboration. I cannot say ‘thank you’ enough to the Lucky Duck Foundation!”
