Economic Mobility

“Now a single mom of three daughters, the tax prep assistance program truly supported me as a first-time filer. The program representative I worked with gave me the one-on-one assistance I needed, which made me feel secure, reassured, and understood. It was comforting to know that the person sitting across from me knew what she was doing and had my best interest in mind. The funds I got back will not only help me get my girls a bunk bed, but also will go toward gas and entertainment to make more memories with my daughters.”

— Azucena Wells, Just in Time for Foster Youth participant and EITC recipient

Moving the Needle on Racial and Economic Inequity

UWSD consistently strives to move the needle on the pervasive economic disparities within San Diego County. Through advanced data and proven methodologies, we know that providing avenues for economic mobility is the best way to transform the lives of low income and at-risk individuals. With the help of the Building Resilience partnership and the EITC Coalition, UWSD and its collaborators are helping to move the needle on racial and economic inequity in San Diego County.

Building Resilience

Through multi-sectional partnerships, Building Resilience (BR) works to measure and strengthen social services such as access to the Earn Income Tax Credit (EITC) The aim of the program is to buffer against the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including traumatic childhood events like abuse, neglect, and divorce. High ACEs scores have been shown to dramatically impact a child’s successful educational and economic outcomes, and BR partners remain committed to fostering healthy child development through family stability. UWSD coordinated six Building Resilience trainings alongside five community partners regarding EITC outreach and education material. The trainings resulted in 100k impressions to target populations including homeless, underemployed, refugees, immigrants, and/or limited English proficient small business owners.

PARTNERS: Harder + Company, 211 San Diego, Dreams for Change, International Rescue Committee, YMCA Childcare Resource Service

San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition

UWSD continues to lead the San Diego County EITC Coalition, offering free tax preparation assistance to low-to-moderate-income local families. With the lingering economic effects of the pandemic, many San Diego residents had difficulty meeting their basic needs, such as food, rent and mortgage, utilities, transportation, and other unexpected costs. UWSD is founded on the notion that we can make the largest impact within our community by aligning with local partners on a common goal. We are proud to say that the San Diego County EITC Coalition operated a total of 33 tax sites resulting in total of 41,373 federal and state returns – almost 12,000 more than the 2021 tax season!

Over $38 million in federal and state refunds were brought back to San Diego County – an increase of over $10 million compared to the year prior – and clients saved over $2.7 million in tax preparation fees with an average of $188 per return. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, EITC is responsible for putting money back in the pockets of those who needed the financial assistance most. The extra funds from tax credits can be life-altering as it allows families to ease the burden of basic essentials and unexpected expenses.

PARTNERS: The EITC Coalition is comprised of over 30 community partner organizations dedicated to providing a clear pathway to tax assistance for families in San Diego County. The Coalition is anchored by a partnership among the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, the IRS, Dreams for Change, 211 San Diego, and UWSD.