Urban League of San Diego County

The Urban League of San Diego County is a civil rights and direct service organization working to help African Americans and other underserved people in San Diego County reach social and economic equality through advocacy, bridge building, program services and research. A National Urban League affiliate since 1953, its work is organized around four areas: housing and economic development, workforce development, education and youth development, and health and wellness.

Housing is where many families start. As a HUD-certified housing agency, the League offers counseling, financial coaching and homeownership support, including counseling before and after purchase for buyers in the San Diego Black Homebuyer Program, which can pair down payment and closing cost grants of up to $70,000 with a participating lender. The new Housing Financial Assistance Program helps households facing eviction or foreclosure with up to $10,000 paid directly to a landlord or mortgage lender, with no repayment.

The workforce team provides one-on-one counseling, intake assessment and small-group classes on goal setting, soft skills, job readiness, the expungement process, parenting, financial literacy and housing education, for adults and youth alike. The Education and Youth Development department serves young people ages 13 to 24 with academic enrichment, socioemotional learning, career and college readiness, financial fitness, STEAM and entrepreneurship. Health and wellness programming addresses the health challenges affecting Black and Brown communities.

The League honors students each year at its Golden Pyramid Scholars ceremony and gathers supporters at its annual meeting and awards program. Residents can call the University Avenue office for help, and supporters can partner, sponsor or give.