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Economic Development
Economic development programs are created to address the economic needs of our community. These programs aim to remove barriers to employment and create economic opportunity by providing emergency help with bills, job preparedness trainings and assistance with establishing businesses.
Refugee Integration
We have two decades of experience assisting our clients. Somali Family Service's Refugee Integration Initiative aims to acculturate refugees, asylees, and other low-income immigrants in San Diego County and to connect them with the resources that will help them to become self-sufficient and independent. The Case Manager will assess the needs of clients and their families, and assist them with developing an individualized action plan to attain their goals. Cash assistance may be provided on an as-needed basis for housing, food, clothing, bills, bus / trolley passes, security guard cards for job requirements, and obtaining driver's license / photo ID from the DMV. The Case Manager will conduct workshops to help clients integrate into the community. Workshop topics include: Employment training and placement College and financial aid Financial literacy Low-income housing Citizenship and naturalization Nutrition and healthy lifestyles Microenterprise Home and community safety.
To learn more about our economic development initiatives or to get involved, please contact us below.
Microenterprise Program
There are approximately 30,000 East African refugees and immigrants currently living in San Diego County, and the City of San Diego has the second largest Somali community in the United States. The majority of San Diego’s East African residents live in the City Heights area, with an especially heavy concentration in the Colina del Sol neighborhood, Census Tract 27.08. With a median income of $37,908, City Heights families live on just more than half the countywide median income of $68,117.
The community members try to solve the situation by opening their own businesses, however, they run into another set of problems of licensing and other regulation processes for new business owners.
The Microenterprise Program aims create economic opportunity by providing training and technical assistance with establishing or expanding businesses to eligible low-moderate income individuals residing in the City of San Diego.
BIRE Program
In partnership with the California Department of Social Services, the Black Immigrant and Refugee Equity (BIRE) Program seeks to promote equity for Black immigrant and refugee communities through links to resources and services. We provide educational workshops, referrals to legal services, assistance with employment and professional development, and information about links to public benefits.