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Job Training / Employment

Job Training / Employment

More San Diegans experiencing homelessness cite employment as a key factor in ending their homelessness than they do affordable housing, according to this study. For this reason and more, the Lucky Duck Foundation has invested more than $2.5 million in support of more than 25 different job training and employment opportunities to help individuals avoid or end homelessness. We put employment dollars to work where there is the greatest need, strongest outcomes, and best bang for the buck.

Programs include but are not limited to culinary training, community beautification, food rescue, trash cleanup, certificate programs in the construction, healthcare, technology and manufacturing industries, access to college education, and more. 

More than 1,800 individuals have benefited and each program is designed to give individuals experiencing homelessness an opportunity to improve their earning power, employability, and housing. 

One employment program hires Salvation Army shelter residents to be food rescue route drivers by operating routes provided by Feeding San Diego. This three-pronged collaborative effort has rescued more than 700,000 pounds of food, and nearly all graduates have secured full-time employment and are still housed. The program was featured nationally on Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News and Fox News. 

Another unique and effective employment program is Timmy’s Place, a pizzeria and print shop which trains and employs youth suffering from homelessness at a youth homeless center in downtown San Diego. 

Union Tribune coverage: Homeless youths learning job skills at San Diego pizzeria, print shop

Another example is Work for Hope, which helps individuals leave the streets, overcome addiction, and gain employment beautifying city-owned parks throughout Chula Vista.

KPBS: Formerly homeless man gets people housed and off the streets in Chula Vista

In The News

Foundation providing $1 million in grants to help homeless people find jobs
Lucky Duck Foundation invests $1 million for job placement, training initiative for those experiencing homeless
Computers 2 Kids, Lucky Duck Foundation partners up to provide free laptops

More Program Success Stories & Testimonials

Rise Up Industries’ Reentry Program assists previously incarcerated and formerly gang-involved individuals in successfully re-entering society. The Machine Shop Social Enterprise is central to the Reentry Program and prepares individuals for careers as CNC (Computer Numeric Control) machine operators. They receive employment, classroom training, and real-world experience on contract work to give them the skills needed for a well-paying career. Revenue from this enterprise helps offset costs, making the Reentry Program more sustainable and amplifying the impact of contributions.

Joseph, Rise Up graduate, 2023

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Edi, Rise Up graduate, 2024

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Patrick, Rise Up graduate, 2024

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Colin, Rise Up graduate, 2023

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Jairo, Rise Up graduate, 2024

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HomeAid San Diego‘s Workforce Opportunities for Rebuilding through Knowledge and Skills (“WORKS”) program provides technical construction training and job placement support for individuals experiencing homelessness or on the brink. The program also provides soft skills and financial literacy and launches graduates into a career in the home building industry, which is facing a critical labor shortage.

In October 2024, the WORKS program’s 8th cohort graduated, ready to bring their construction skills to life.

Destiny Cole, HomeAid WORKS program graduate, 2024: “I was amazed at the doors that opened for me after completing the HomeAid San Diego’s WORKS Construction Training program. On the day of my graduation, I had the opportunity to interview with Lennar and shortly later was starting my dream job. This program also taught me the importance of money management and I have since moved into my own place with roommates and I’m currently saving for a car. I’m excited to go to work each day and greatly appreciate the wonderful opportunities this program has provided me.”

Home Start’s Thrift Boutique and Bright Futures Candles social enterprises provide employment, job training skills, and wraparound supportive services in trauma-informed settings for Transition Age Youth (TAY) facing homelessness to help them achieve self-sufficiency and independence. The Thrift Boutique offers quality, affordable used items which help support the young mothers who are employed there, and each Bright Futures Candle is hand-crafted by a survivor of domestic violence and homelessness.

Dreams for Change is a food truck business that provides paid training and jobs to individuals facing the highest barriers to employment.

Lucio Ayala, Dreams for Change employee: “I started as a trainee and I got promoted. Now I drive the truck and I cook. I’m so grateful for Dreams for Change because if it wasn’t for them, I’d be on the streets right now with no place to live. Thanks to them, I saved money, bought myself a car, and have a little money in the bank. Every week we do an orientation and we can hire people left and right. We try to help these people get on their feet. It’s a blessing to work for Dreams for Change.”

The San Diego College of Continuing Education’s PATHWAYS program provides access to its more than 75 certificate and training programs, paid internships, comprehensive case management, transportation, basic needs, laptops, and more. It serves all states of homelessness.

Tracey Herriot, PATHWAYS Clothing Construction Textiles student, 2024: “This building has really made my dreams come true… The skills that I acquired here were basic sewing classes, pottery making classes, and in general having the basic knowledge of how I would want to put something together. It definitely gave me the skills that I needed in order to keep moving forward, which is always what you want to do: keep taking the next step. It would’ve been helpful to have people with this knowledge earlier on in my venture, but it’s never too late and I love having them now.”

Doors of Change reaches out to unhoused youth where they are and provides them with access to housing, mental health services, job placement, and college support, as well as clothing and other necessities.

As of July 2024, Doors of Change has helped 482 youth in San Diego with funding from the Lucky Duck Foundation – including helping 230 find shelter/safe housing, 124 with mental health services, and 74 youth find employment.

Gina, Doors of Change success story, 2024

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Karin, Doors of Change success story, 2023

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TK, Doors of Change success story, 2024

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Matthew, Doors of Change success story, 2024

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SM, Doors of Change success story, 2023

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Make a Donation

Your recurring gift will help people in need monthly. Your donation will support the areas of greatest and most immediate need.

There are many ways to Share Your Luck

Donate by Mailing a Check

Personal or corporate checks can be made out to:

The Lucky Duck Foundation
5675 Ruffin Road, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123

Donate Stock Options or Estate Assets

To make arrangements donating, contact:

staff@luckyduckfoundation.org

Legacy Society

 

Leave a lasting legacy by including the Lucky Duck Foundation in your estate planning.

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Corporate Giving

There are many ways your organization can get involved and support community giving and volunteering.

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Start a Fundraising Page

We offer turnkey peer-to-peer fundraising so you can create your own fundraising page and invite your friends and family to support the Lucky Duck Foundation and its programs.

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Donate Clothes

We’ve partnered with LNDRY, a premier laundry service in San Diego, to pick up your gently used clothes donation (for free!) to help homeless employment and education-seekers look and feel their best!

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Join the Lucky Duck Coffee Club

Enjoy premium craft coffee with a purpose. Our coffee partner, Tower Roasting Co., provides 100% organic fair trade coffee while helping to prevent and reduce homelessness in San Diego by donating 30% of every sale.

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Submit feedback on elected leaders

Our “Shamrocks & Shipwrecks” scoring system publicly highlights tangible, positive action and calls out shortcomings of elected leaders for addressing homelessness throughout San Diego County.

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San Diego, CA 92123

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The Lucky Duck Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID: 20-3324885

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Joseph

Rise Up Reentry Program Graduate, 2023
 
“I found myself on the streets for the first time when I was twelve years old. Homelessness has a large impact on people’s lives. Lacking a safe place to sleep and shower means you are less likely to show up for job interviews and to work.
The Reentry Program’s comprehensive nature, specifically the job training component, motivated me to join. Rise Up has provided several services for me like career training, continuing education navigation support, a psychologist, a book club, and healthcare navigation support. I aim to one day become a mechanical engineer.”

Edi

Rise Up Reentry Program graduate, 2024
 
“After being sentenced to nine years in prison, I got out in November 2023, a few months earlier than I was supposed to, so I surprised my whole family and only told my mom the day before I got out. I was able to be home for the holidays and have my first Christmas in a long time.
 
When I got out, I stayed in a transitional living home and found a couple of jobs, but I wanted to find a career. Being with Rise Up has felt like being with another family. Everyone here stops what they’re doing to help each other. Being here has changed my life. I’m going to keep working hard so my son can look up at a plane one day and say, “My dad helped make that.” Last year I was stressing about what I was going to do when I got out, and now I have a car, an apartment, two jobs, and get to see my son smiling. If I can do it, then I’m pretty sure anybody else can; you just have to put your mind to it and be hungry for it.”

Patrick

Rise Up Reentry Program graduate, 2024
 
“In 2023, I was facing a serious charge that could have put me away for 25 years to life. Luckily, a judge saw potential in me and sent me to rehab after serving a year in county jail. I graduated from that program in March 2024 and moved into a sober living home but left because people were using drugs. Homeless and with nowhere to turn, I held onto my spirit and determination.
 
During rehab, I discovered Rise Up Industries (RUI) and was determined to be part of it. A job fair led me to the RUI booth, and soon after, RUI accepted me into the program. With the help of friends and family I managed to set up a stable living environment to shorten the 3-hour commute daily to Santee for work.
 
Today, I have full-time employment, live in a house, attend college full-time, am active in my recovery and coming back stronger than I ever have been. RUI continues to mentor me in CNC machining and supports my growth in all aspects of my life. I am grateful for the blessings and the chance to build a better future. Thank you, Godspeed.”

Colin

Rise Up Reentry Program graduate, 2023
 
“I was born in Ocean Beach. In my childhood, I loved surfing and rock music. However, at 16 years old, I got into a bike accident and sustained a traumatic brain injury that resulted in a coma for 2 weeks. When I woke up, things weren’t the same. My path took a dark turn, ultimately leading to my incarceration. I’m now in the process of rebuilding a new life.
 
I discovered Rise Up from a fellow rehab participant. I saw it as an opportunity to gain paid training in advanced manufacturing that could kick-start my professional journey. Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the massive machines and loud noises. With some perseverance and the support of the community, I overcame these fears and quickly adapted to the program.
 
If I could speak to my younger self, I would emphasize the importance of learning from life’s hardships and not succumbing to relapse. I’d tell myself: The suffering and hardships we endure are there to teach us invaluable lessons. Learn from them and use those lessons to forge a better path in life. Don’t go back out there and relapse. Choose to get things right before it’s too late.”

Jairo

Rise Up Reentry Program Graduate, 2024
 
“Growing up, I had been a good student, it was just that I gravitated towards the street rather than my education because I didn’t have the right support system. But now, I feel like my education and believing in a higher power saved my life. A week after being released from prison, I started my Bachelor’s degree at San Diego State University. Being in school has helped me tremendously, but it was hard at first and I had to navigate lots of new things like socializing with my classmates, and especially working on computers. Even though it was a culture shock at first, I’ve made new friends that I share things in common with, and I’ve been working hard to keep learning. I’m happy to say that after my first semester, I received one A and two B’s.
 
It’s been challenging acclimating back into society, but one thing I learned from being in prison as a young man, is to not be afraid to ask for help. I’m not ashamed to ask for help, and I think that’s helped me so much in school, making friends, and navigating everything since I’ve been home. So far, I’ve been blessed and ask God to guide me in my next steps in life. Every day, I wake up and am grateful that I’m out here making my own choices. I’ve been hiking mountains, going to the beach, spending time with people, and exploring where I can. I’m in transitional housing now, but the fact that I get to make the choice for myself of where I live afterwards is something I don’t take for granted, and I’m excited to make that choice.
 
I learned about Rise Up from my friend, Mike Lucero, who also joined Rise Up and is now on their permanent staff. I started the Reentry Program just two months after being released, and I know being here is going to help me on this next journey of my life, wherever it’s going to be. If I have the opportunity to do something, I’m going to do it, because I’m free now to right the wrongs in my life. One day, I would like to work with at-risk youth so they can learn from me and my story, and to help them get on the right path.”

Gina

Doors of Change success story, 2024
 
Gina’s journey took a turn for the better when she reconnected with Doors of Change during a very difficult period in her life. After her grandmother passed away, Gina found herself displaced and in need of support. Doors of Change stepped in, providing her with a phone, financial assistance for a guard class, gas cards, and a LiveScan clearance to help her obtain a guard card.
 
With these essential resources, Gina was able to regain some stability and start rebuilding her life. But, as a new mother, her determination didn’t stop there. She also helped her significant other get his necessary documents, ensuring they could both work towards a better future together.
 
The support from Doors of Change didn’t end with immediate needs. They referred Gina to Dreams for Change, where she found employment opportunities that matched her skills and aspirations. This referral not only provided her with financial stability but also a renewed sense of purpose and hope.
 
Gina’s story is a testament to her resilience and the power of community support. With the right resources and a helping hand, she was able to turn a difficult situation into a stepping stone for a brighter future for herself and her loved ones.

Karin

Doors of Change success story, 2023
 
With a lack of resources, family to fall back on, or anyone to help her navigate the challenges in front of her, Karin was once again facing homelessness. After spending a year living in her car and couch surfing Karin was able to enter a rapid rehousing program, however she continued to struggle as issues with her car began affecting her employment. Now risking eviction, Karin reached out to Doors of Change for assistance. Through their case management program, Doors of Change was able to work with Karin in creating a simple budget that would help her cut costs and get back on track. Karin worked closely with her case manager and met regularly to discuss her progress with goals, barriers in front of her, and what next steps she should take to create stability. Since working with Doors of Change, Karin has enrolled in school, found a new job, and has been working on her communication skills and tools to deal with stress management.

TK (on left)

Doors of Change success story, 2024  
 
With no options left to help, TK was placed in a mental health clubhouse as a last resort. This sudden change, however, left TK in a catatonic state, making it difficult for the clubhouse staff to communicate with him and learn his needs. Because of this, Doors of Change’s Case Management Team was brought in for support. After three months of working closely with Turquoise and other Doors of Change members, TK not only regained the confidence to speak, but also attained a job at Dreams for Change and moved into transitional housing! TK thanks Doors of Change for helping him through a tough time in his life.

Matthew

Doors of Change success story, 2024
 
Matthew had been on and off homeless since the age of 17 before working with Doors of Change. After years of battling homelessness and struggling to maintain control of his mental health he knew he needed to reach out for assistance. Through continued support, dedication, and hard work on Matthew’s part, he was able to overcome episodic homelessness and really focus on improving his mental health. Since working with Doors of Change’s case managers, Matthew has been matched with mental health support, found employment, reunited with supportive family, and even got into his own apartment!

SM

Doors of Change success story, 2023
 
SM came to Doors of Change (DOC) after moving from LA and living in her car with her infant son and boyfriend. SM is also 5 months pregnant. SM was unable to find shelter for the family and her county benefits were frozen since she had relocated to San Diego. SM connected with DOC Case Managers, Nicole and Turquoise, who provided the referral to get SM and her family into shelter through Alpha Project. They also provided gas cards, groceries and a laptop for SM. After a few weeks SM was able to re-establish EBT / county benefits at an outreach event. This support from DOC allowed SM’s boyfriend to get a job at Amazon to support SM while she is attending doctors’ appointments for the children. SM was matched to a rapid rehousing opportunity but has decided to save money while staying in the family shelter with her boyfriend and work on paying debt down first.

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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.”