About Townspeople

Founded in 1984, a group of friends and concerned people came together as “The Townspeople” to provide help, comfort, and support to the growing number of people succumbing to the disease to be called AIDS. As the number of AIDS cases grew locally and around the country, so did Townspeople’s commitment to raise funds for needed programs and services throughout San Diego County.

A decade later, Townspeople had formally incorporated and began focusing on the greatest need affecting the most vulnerable people in San Diego City and County: Housing. We opened San Diego’s first permanent housing apartments for people living with HIV/AIDS in 1994 and have since developed housing and provided other housing options because of our commitment to people living with HIV/AIDS and our strong belief that housing is healthcare.

Townspeople continues to serve those living with HIV/AIDS and special needs today. We’ve expanded our services to ensure those most vulnerable, the homeless, and those with special needs have access to safe and affordable housing, on-going supportive services, and are positioned to achieve self-sufficiency, residential stability, and quality of life. We are a leader in providing direct services for people living with HIV/AIDS including rental and utility assistance in San Diego County.

Townspeople owns and operates four affordable apartment complexes totaling 118 units, oversees an additional 13 units of supportive housing, provides eligible residents with short-term rental assistance, and provides information and referrals for issues related to housing, food, case management, government benefits, and social supports.

As a a nonprofit corporation registered as tax-exempt under IRS Code 501(c)(3), Townspeople is governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of community leaders, residents, and people living with HIV/AIDS. Townspeople is also GuideStar Platinum Participant.

Our work is possible thanks to the generosity of our community. Please consider a donation today!