Dreams for Change - 2023 sites

Dreams For Change

Dreams for Change was founded by Teresa Smith in 2009 to empower low-income and unsheltered individuals and families to advance towards stability. They offer cost-effective and innovative programs like Safe Parking, Dreams’ Cuisine, Free Tax Preparation, and Safe Sleeping. They have helped thousands of people and worked with multiple cities across the US.

About Us
Dreams for change safe sleeping location.

Safe Sleeping Program

Safe Sleeping is a program that provides a secure and lawful camping location for individuals experiencing homelessness who are seeking assistance in securing stable housing. It offers a viable alternative to shelters, ensuring the safety and well-being of those experiencing homelessness.

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A father and his daughter at Dreams For Change Safe Parking Program

Safe Parking Program

The Safe Parking Program provides a safe place for individuals experiencing homelessness in their vehicles to receive services and sleep overnight. It offers a place to park, access to basic amenities, and services to assist in the transition out of homelessness.

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One of the Dreams For Change food trucks.

Dreams' Cuisine Program

Dreams' Cuisine is an employment social enterprise that operates a small fleet of food trucks, offering freshly cooked meals at affordable prices. Through this program, we aim to provide employment opportunities while ensuring access to made-to-order meals for all.

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Two people doing taxes.

Free Tax Assistance

Free Tax Preparation is available for individuals and families who meet specific qualifications. This service helps eligible taxpayers navigate the complex process of filing their taxes accurately and on time, while alleviating the financial burden of hiring a paid professional.

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Get help with your taxes

Receive Free Tax Assistance

MyFreeTaxes.org is a proven, community-trusted program and the central hub for California individuals and families to file taxes for free and claim the benefits of tax credits offered at the state and federal level.

Help Us Help Others

Give Today

Donating to Dreams for Change is an incredible way to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, barriers to employment, and financial insecurity. Together, we can create real change and help dreams come true. Give today and be a part of something inspiring!

Making a difference

What We Do To Help The Community

Dreams for Change is a force of positive change in communities. We create and apply cutting edge strategies to create paths towards financial and housing stability.

Workforce Training

Dreams for Change empowers individuals facing significant employment barriers by offering paid on-the-job training experience, personal development classes, and other job readiness services. The program’s goal is to increase job readiness skills, foster personal development, and assist individuals in overcoming barriers, ultimately enhancing their employability and potential for success.

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Dreams for change safe sleeping location.

Safe Sleeping

Dreams for Change played a crucial role in the establishment of the City of San Diego’s Safe Sleeping Program. This innovative initiative provides people experiencing homelessness with a safe and legal camping space, serving as a viable alternative to traditional congregate shelters. By offering this option, Dreams for Change addresses the pressing need for secure accommodations, contributing to the efforts of combating homelessness in the community.

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Safe Parking

Safe Parking provides a place for people experiencing homelessness in their vehicle to sleep overnight and receive services to help them stabilize.

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Dreams For Change team members providing food to hungry people.

Food Distribution

Dreams for Change offers a weekly food distribution program to help individuals facing food insecurity. This program aims to provide assistance to those in need by offering essential food items to ensure their nutritional well-being.

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One of the Dreams For Change food trucks.

Dreams’ Cuisine

Dreams’ Cuisine is an employment social enterprise that operates a small fleet of food trucks, offering fresh cooked meals at affordable prices. Through this program, we aim to provide employment opportunities while ensuring access to made-to-order meals for all.

Learn More
Two people doing taxes.

CalEITC Free Tax Preparation

Free Tax Preparation is available for individuals and families who meet specific qualifications. This service helps eligible taxpayers navigate the complex process of filing their taxes accurately and on time, while alleviating the financial burden of hiring a paid professional.

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Featured Video

What is Safe Parking

The growing faces of homeless needs a variety of approaches to help families and individuals when they are the most vulnerable. One such approach is Safe Parking for those living in their vehicle who are often experiencing homelessness for the first time.
Featured Video

The high cost of housing

More than just a place to park your car at night, the Safe Parking program is a stepping stone to connect those in need with services and dignity, so that they are quickly back on their feet rather than stuck on the streets.

 

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