EDSD Establishes Hope with Comunidad de Luz

The Rt. Rev. Susan Brown Snook (third from the left) and other community leaders celebrate the grand opening of Comunidad de Luz. March 2025.

The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego (EDSD) has partnered with three other organizations — Via International, the Anglican Diocese of Western Mexico, and Vida Joven — to establish Comunidad de Luz, or Community of Light, a new shelter in Southern Tijuana that aims to provide the necessary wholistic care for women and children in need.

The San Diego/Tijuana border is one of the busiest in the nation. According to the Latin Times, “about 200 people have been deported daily from San Diego to Tijuana since June [2024].” Since the increase of immigration enforcement in January, this number may be rising.

Tijuana is a hub for asylum seekers. Many either await entry into the U.S. or grapple with potential next steps after being deported. Migrants waiting for entry may be stuck in Tijuana for months or even years and, since many are not from Tijuana, they lack the proper legal status or permits to work, driving them quickly into poverty. Deportees may stay in Tijuana if their family is still in the U.S., but adjusting to an unfamiliar place with no connections poses a challenge and potentially a dangerous situation.

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons and ECS Board of Directors Chair The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook visit Comunidad de Luz. March 2025.

Due to the traumatic experiences many endure, migrants and deportees may also struggle with mental health issues like anxiety and depression. They are in need of so much more than just a place to sleep at night; they need long-term care.

Comunidad de Luz can serve up to 100 women and children at once. They offer services such as job training, language classes, childcare, and psychological support. A shelter like this offers resources and community support, which is critical for many migrants/deportees who have no one else to turn to. Comunidad de Luz provides hope and rebuilds lives.

EDSD youth engaged in service trips to repair and prep the space, while diocese members contributed funds. This project falls in line with EDSD’s Migration Ministry.

Congratulations to EDSD on the grand opening of Comunidad de Luz. This is a meaningful step forward in honoring the dignity and resilience of those experiencing migration, loss, and the hope for something better. Read more about EDSD’s involvement in Comunidad de Luz.

Advocating for Healthy Development Services

Last Friday, ECS leaders Rosa Cabrera, Embrie Tapia, Stacie Perez, and Board Member Chris Cate joined Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, the Children First Collective, and other advocates to address critical funding challenges for Healthy Development Services (HDS), a vital program supported by First 5 San Diego.

Healthy Development Services allows ECS to expand its services and make a greater impact on families. February 2025.

With HDS funding at risk, the discussion focused on potential cuts that could impact thousands of children and their communities. ECS highlighted its role in providing Behavioral Health Level 3 services through Para Las Familias since the implementation of HDS, emphasizing the importance of early intervention programs.

Together, we’re striving to protect the resources that strengthen our community and ensure every child has the support they need to thrive.

Annual Regional Task Force on Homelessness

ECS VP of Programs Stacie Perez and Director of Behavioral Health Services Embrie Tapia assist the #WeAllCount data collection so San Diego can address homelessness in a meaningful way. January 2025.

Yesterday morning, ECS VP of Programs Stacie Perez and Director of Behavioral Health Services Embrie Tapia participated in the annual Regional Task Force on Homelessness' #WeAllCount volunteer data collection effort. This initiative gathers vital information about the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our community. The data collected helps raise awareness and drive meaningful action to address homelessness.

Stacie and Embrie were joined by various community partners, including the San Diego Rescue Mission, to support this important effort.

ECS Celebrates the Grand Opening of Sharia's Closet

Chula Vista, CA — Wednesday night, ECS was thrilled to celebrate the Grand Opening of Sharia’s Closet’s fourth location, housed in the new Family Engagement Center (FEC).

Guests cheer as Mayor McCann cuts the ribbon, officially opening Sharia’s Closet FEC location. January 2025.

The night was a success, filled with a sense of community. Some of the speakers included Sharia’s Closet Founder and CEO Shamine Linton, Chula Vista Mayor John McCann, a representative of the office of Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, and ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons. Guests enjoyed refreshments, heard moving testimonials, and witnessed an official ribbon cutting.

Sharia’s Closet is a nonprofit working to provide free emergency clothing and goods to those experiencing financial hardship or crisis. Whether it be diapers for, clothes for school, or professional attire, Sharia’s Closet is there to lend a helping hand.

Shamine Linton spoke on the partnership of Sharia’s Closet and ECS. “I’m overwhelmed with joy, I’m just so excited and honored for the collaboration and the partnership,” Linton said. “I have always been a partner with ECS as far as supplying and providing clothing, but to be in the same building, this is amazing. ECS and Sharia’s Closet doing the same work, together.”

ECS’ Family Engagement Specialist Heidi Avent echoed Linton’s enthusiasm. “I’m very excited for Sharia’s Closet, as well as ECS,” Avent said. “Having that collaboration and coming together and meeting the needs of our families, that’s the most important thing.”

Sharia’s Closet — located inside FEC — offers new and clean clothing to anyone in need. January 2025.

Since the opening of FEC in August, ECS and Sharia’s Closet have worked side-by-side to provide resources to families in the Chula Vista community. This community partnership is a true testament to the transformative mission of both organizations and how we are truly stronger together.

To learn more about the Family Engagement Center visit ecscalifornia.org/fec.

ECS CEO Elizabeth Fitzsimons congratulates Sharia’s Closet on their Grand Opening and expresses gratitude for a bountiful partnership. January 2025.

Many supporters, friends, and clients of Sharia’s Closet attend the Grand Opening. January 2025.