Community Care Crew
Employment. Stability. Opportunity.
The Community Care Crew is Shoreline Community Services’ paid transitional employment program, helping individuals experiencing homelessness gain meaningful work, individualized support, and a pathway toward long-term housing stability.
The Challenge
Many people experiencing homelessness want to work, but face barriers that make finding and keeping employment incredibly difficult. Without stable income, it’s nearly impossible to secure housing. Without housing, maintaining employment becomes even harder.
This cycle leaves many hardworking individuals stuck between homelessness and self-sufficiency.
How the Program Works
Paid Employment
Crew Members earn wages while improving the Central Beach Area.
Case Management
Individualized goal setting and support.
Workforce Development
Resume building, Interview preparation, Career coaching, Job placement assistance
Compass Commons
Eligible Crew Members may receive temporary housing while participating in the program.
Graduation
The ultimate goal is stable employment and independent housing.
Compass Commons is Shoreline Community Services’ six-cabin workforce housing community.
Rather than operating as a stand-alone housing program, Compass Commons serves participants in the Community Care Crew by providing temporary housing while they work, save money, build employment experience, and prepare for permanent housing.
Residents also participate in case management, life skills development, and individualized goal planning throughout their stay.
The goal isn’t simply to provide housing—it’s to help people build the stability needed to keep it.
Compass Commons FAQ
What type of housing is Compass Commons?
Compass Commons is not an emergency shelter or stand-alone housing program. It is temporary workforce housing for participants enrolled in Shoreline’s Community Care Crew.
Is there a waiting list?
No. There is not a separate waiting list for Compass Commons. Placement occurs through enrollment in the Community Care Crew when openings become available.
Can anyone apply for a cabin?
Housing is available only to Community Care Crew participants who meet program requirements and are selected as space becomes available.
What kind of work does the Crew perform?
Street cleaning, graffiti removal, power washing, landscaping, janitorial services, and event setup and breakdown throughout the Central Beach Area.
I know someone who would be a great fit for the Community Care Crew. How can they apply?
We’re always looking for motivated individuals who are ready to work toward long-term stability through employment, case management, and supportive services. To request an application, please email info@shorelinecs.org, or stop by The Compass Station at 1004 Chalcedony Street, San Diego, CA 92109 (Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm) to pick one up. Once completed, our team will review the application and reach out if there is an opportunity to move forward.
How long do participants stay?
Most Crew Members participate for approximately 6–12 months while working toward permanent housing and employment.
Are Crew Members paid?
Yes. Community Care Crew participants are employees of Shoreline Community Services and receive wages for their work.
Who can hire the Community Care Crew?
Residents, businesses, nonprofits, churches, and community organizations.
Where does the program operate?
The Community Care Crew primarily serves the Central Beach Area, including Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and La Jolla.
Testimonial: Meet Alex
Alex grew up in a privileged home but made a decision to live in a van for a time but eventually ended up on the street. Facing himself in a very honest way, letting go of assumptions of himself and others, changing perceptions and getting a very clear understanding of the broken systems changed him deeply.
The Community Care Crew has helped Alex in working towards some important life goals. The accountability through work and case management, learning to give and receive help and the relationships that have been created on the job and in the broader community have changed him.
He now has an apartment and will be launching into a permanent position that will eventually help him reach his ultimate goal, “…to create my own company…to be financially free…be a role model and share my story with humanity.”
