VISTA, Calif — Solutions for Change is a nonprofit that offers mental health and other support services for those experiencing homelessness in San Diego.
Vice President of community engagement, Jason Ventetuolo tells CBS 8 its current campus houses about 45 families who would otherwise be unsheltered on the four acres of land they own. They have the opportunity to double the families they can help if they are able to purchase the land of Green Oak Ranch in Vista.
"We were approached a year ago by the land board of Green Oak Ranch, we were one of four entities that were eyeballed or courted to purchase it," said Ventetuolo.
They have paused developments at the current campus with the plan to move and use 60 of the 110 available acres at Green Oak Ranch and give the City of Vista the other 50 acres.
"So that 110 acres we would buy it, gift it to the city and lease it for one dollar a year with the opportunity to buy it for a dollar in the future," said Ventetuolo.
The proposed plan allows the Solutions for Change campus to expand with the move, while also balancing the need for more recreational spaces in the community. The deal was almost finalized until San Diego County leaders came in with their own bid.
"The county coming in at the last minute for us was a shock, we had an LOI, we had everything ready to go and then it was like wait a minute what's going on," said Ventetuolo.
The uncertainty has put the organization in a waiting period to see where they allocate their funds.
"For us it's really difficult because it means a complete shift for us, are we gong to focus on our main campus, on the ranch what is actually going to happen, so it has definitely slowed things down for us," said Ventetuolo.
Ventetuolo tells CBS 8 that the organization is hopeful the deal will work in their favor.
"We want a quiet neighborhood where our families can continue to do the work they are trying to do, I think that's why the proposal works so well because it's a win-win for everyone," said Ventetuolo.
CBS 8 reached out to the mayor of Vista and did not hear back. The County of San Diego says they still remain in negotiations for the purchase of the ranch.
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