Fighting Against “The Churn”: How Solutions for Change Is Addressing Homelessness Through Long-Term Transformation

Recently, KUSI welcomed Aaron Byzak, CEO of Solutions for Change, to Good Business San Diego to discuss one of the most difficult realities surrounding homelessness today: “The Churn” that keeps so many individuals and families trapped in instability.

While many homelessness interventions focus on temporary shelter or short-term solutions, Aaron emphasized an important truth during the interview: homelessness cannot be solved through temporary fixes alone.

At Solutions for Change, the focus is not simply on helping families survive a crisis. The mission is to help families permanently rebuild their lives through long-term housing, education, accountability, workforce development, and recovery support.

Understanding “The Churn”

During the interview, Aaron described the ongoing cycle many individuals experiencing homelessness face: moving from encampments to temporary shelters, back to the streets, and through systems that often provide short-term relief without creating long-term stability.

This cycle can leave families stuck in survival mode for years.

Without addressing the deeper issues connected to homelessness, such as addiction, trauma, unemployment, lack of education, and instability, many individuals struggle to break free from the patterns that led them there in the first place.

While emergency services are important, Aaron highlighted that real progress happens when organizations focus on long-term transformation rather than temporary management.

That is the core of the Solutions for Change model.

Why Sobriety Matters

One of the key topics Aaron addressed during the interview was the role sobriety plays within the Solutions for Change model.

Our campus requires sobriety as part of the program because long-term recovery and stability are deeply connected. Addiction can often be one of the major barriers preventing individuals and families from achieving lasting independence.

By creating a sober, structured environment, Solutions for Change helps families focus on healing, growth, accountability, and rebuilding their lives.

This commitment has been a critical factor in our long-term success.

However, Aaron also explained that this requirement comes with challenges.

Because our program requires sobriety, Solutions for Change does not qualify for certain federal funding streams tied to homelessness services. As a result, our organization relies heavily on private donations, grants, and community support to continue providing services to families in need.

The Importance of Community Support

The conversation highlighted an important reality: transformational programs require community investment.

Unlike systems built around temporary interventions, long-term recovery programs involve sustained support, individualized guidance, education, and accountability. These models take time, but they ultimately create meaningful, lasting outcomes for families.

Private donors, local businesses, foundations, and community partners all play an essential role in making this work possible.

Every contribution helps provide families not only with housing, but with the opportunity to rebuild their futures. To learn more about how you can help support Solutions for Change, visit our Take Action page here.

You can find the full interview with Aaron Byzak on KUSI here.