Dreams for Change
Individual and Family ServicesCalifornia, United States51-200 Employees
Dreams for Change is a San Diego-based nonprofit in the individual and family services sector that implements programs aimed at stabilizing households and preventing homelessness. It was founded in May 2009 by Teresa Smith, Ph.D., through the launch of the first congregant Safe Parking Program to respond to needs created by the recession. Since then, the organization has broadened its offerings with cost-effective services designed to help people experiencing homelessness regain stability and to divert others from entering homelessness. Its approach centers on three interconnected paths to stability: Support, which includes case management and Safe Parking and Safe Sleeping; Employment, comprising workforce training, job readiness and personal development, and opportunities for job placement or further education; and Assets, which covers free tax preparation and financial literacy. The organization is based in San Diego, California, and operates multiple programs in pursuit of this mission. In April 2025, Dreams for Change opened an Oceanside Safe Parking Program, marking an expansion of its services to another city within the region.