SAN DIEGO, CA – (August 15, 2025) Family Health Centers of San Diego (FHCSD) held its third Spirit of the Barrio luncheon of the year, bringing together more than 350 community members to explore the root causes of homelessness.
The event featured a panel of frontline experts and community leaders who discussed collaborative, community-centered solutions. Panelists included:
- Tamera Kohler, CEO, Regional Task Force on Homelessness
- Steph Johnson, CEO & Creative Director, Voices of Our City Choir
- Katie Wood, Senior Director of Special Populations, FHCSD
- Dr. Greg Weygandt, Street Medicine Physician, FHCSD
- Danny Martinez, individual with lived experience of homelessness
- Carlo Cecchetto, CBS News 8, moderator
- Enrique Meza, Community Affairs Manager, U.S. Bank, emcee
Guests were also treated to a moving performance by the Voices of Our City Choir, a former “America’s Got Talent” golden buzzer winner, amplifying the voices of people impacted by homelessness through music and the arts. Their powerful performance received a standing ovation. Live jazz and Latin music were provided by San Diego Music Award winner Ed Kornhauser. Meredith Johnston, vice president of development at FHCSD, said, “The music gave us all chills. It was a deeply moving way to set the stage and the tone for this important conversation.”
The event brought together many community organizations and businesses, including U.S. Bank, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Whiting-Turner, Community Health Group, JLL, EDCO, the Port of San Diego, AMR, Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, RAM Construction & Scripps Health.
Johnston added, “We are so grateful for the incredible groundswell of support for this beloved event. Next year marks our 40th anniversary of coming together for tamales and tackling important issues in San Diego. We’re always inspired by how San Diegans unite to drive change and support their community.”
FHCSD will continue fostering engaging dialogue through these impactful events. The next Spirit of the Barrio luncheon is scheduled for Friday, October 17, 2025.
###
About Spirit of the Barrio
Since 1986, FHCSD’s Spirit of the Barrio luncheons have raised awareness about the organization’s mission to provide high-quality health care to underserved communities across San Diego. The luncheon presents a variety of themes to guests as they enjoy our legendary tamales. It informs, educates and entertains hundreds of attendees through a diverse lineup of guest speakers and subjects.
About Family Health Centers of San Diego
Since 1970, FHCSD’s mission has been to provide caring, affordable, high-quality health care and supportive services to everyone, with a special commitment to uninsured, low-income and medically underserved persons. FHCSD is one of the top 10 largest federally qualified health centers in the country, operating more than 90 sites across San Diego County and providing care to more than 227,000 patients each year, of whom 91% are low-income and 29% are uninsured.
