San Diego, CA- As a way to introduce residents to local resources and help build a stronger community, on January 29, 2011 Life Skills Training and Educational Programs (LifeSTEPS) is holding a community event at the Gateway Apartments, an affordable housing complex in San Diego.   LifeSTEPS extends the invitation to the friends and families of two additional affordable housing communities, Los Vientos and La Entrada, to attend the  "LifeSTEPS Celebrates Families" event.  These complexes are home to 226 families.  Activities will take place between 1:00 and 3:00PM.  

The “LifeSTEPS Celebrates Families” event will give residents the opportunity to learn about local resources and to meet community service officers.  Residents are invited to mingle with representatives from city government, including newly elected Council Member, David Alvarez, who will be kicking things off with opening remarks.  The event will include fun activities for the kids, a free lunch, and plenty of time for residents to meet their neighbors and strengthen their community network.  Additionally, U.S. Bank VP / Community Affairs Manager for Southern California, Kristan Gregg, will attend to present LifeSTEPS with a $5,000 grant check in support of our programs designed to promote stable housing for low income residents in San Diego, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

The following local agencies are scheduled to attend and some will be hosting a booth:  San Diego Police Department, San Diego Fire Department, Logan Heights Family Health Center, San Diego Youth Services, State Farm Insurance and the American Lung Association.  

LifeSTEPS is a nonprofit, charitable organization that provides professional social and supportive services to 44,000 individuals living in 169 affordable housing properties throughout California. The mission of LifeSTEPS is to provide effective educational and supportive services to maximize the strengths of individuals and build resilient communities. As a provider of wrap around services LifeSTEPS offers confidential case management, youth programs, educational opportunities and community building activities, such as this, designed to help low income residents successfully maintain and enjoy housing.

Alvarez is the Councilmember for the Eighth Council District of the City of San Diego, which includes Barrio Logan, Grant Hill, Golden Hill, Logan Heights, Memorial, Sherman Heights, Southcrest, Stockton and the southern communities of San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, Ocean View Hills, Nestor, Egger Highlands and the Tijuana River Valley.  He is currently the chair of the Council’s Natural Resources and Culture committee.

‍