Brittney Ochira, Outreach Manager, National Conflict Resolution Center

To help participants thrive in their own communities and increase the overall health and safety of San Diegans, the National Conflict Resolution Center conducts the Live Well San Diego Exchange initiative to provide personal development workshops that train underserved populations in communication skills and conflict management strategies.

The initiative focuses on empowering historically disadvantaged residents such as people experiencing homelessness, refugees, veterans, and at-risk youth.

Through a collaboration between the National Conflict Resolution Center, Alpha Project, and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, 11 individuals experiencing homelessness who were staying at the Alpha Project Bridge Shelter completed the two-day workshop in May 2019.

“With so many people living in close quarters, conflict is inevitable.  Even seemingly small issues, like others touching your belongings, can cause distress and lead to arguments,” shared Danielle Fair of the Alpha Project Bridge Shelter.

Participants discussed how improving communication skills can impact many aspects of their lives, from daily conflicts with others living in the shelter, to gaining employment, to conducting advocacy in their community.  One participant shared that given everything she endured growing up she had every reason to use violence against her family, but after learning the skills in this workshop she plans to write her concerns in a letter to her family members instead. Participants were also grateful for the chance to connect with each other and build supportive relationships. 

NCRC, Alpha Project, and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office plan to continue collaborating to offer this workshop at the Bridge Shelter on a regular basis. Since the shelter serves as a transitional residence to individuals trying to end cycles of homelessness, the hope is that those passing through the Bridge Shelter will leave with even more skills and motivation to approach their next venture in life, from employment to long-term housing to serving their community.