PACIFIC BEACH, Calif. (KGTV) - Supporters of a pilot program in Pacific Beach say it's making the streets cleaner and neighborhoods safer.
It's called the Clean and Safe program, created by Discover Pacific Beach. They've enlisted help by employing people from Pacific Beach Street Guardians, a nonprofit organization that functions as a social enterprise. Employees are currently experiencing homelessness, working in transitional jobs to move towards self-sufficiency.
For months they've been cleaning streets from the boardwalk to the business district. So far four employees have been able to get into a stable living situation because of it.
"This isn't a career choice," said Caryn Blanton, founder of Pacific Beach Street Guardians, "We sort of look at these positions as the gap filler between where you've come from and where you're hoping to go."
Sara Berns, executive director of Discover Pacific Beach, says the program is funded entirely by temporary grant funds awarded from Councilmember Lorie Zapf, and Discover PB event funds and donations.
They've raised $60,000 but that is only half of the funding needed.
Donations can be made to Discover Pacific Beach, tagged for Clean and Safe program, by check sent to 1503 Garnet Ave., or you may also donate by registering for Amazon Smiles and picking Pacific Beach Business Improvement Association as the charity where you would like to donate your proceeds.
