After a rocky stretch of financial scrutiny and leadership change, Vista-based homelessness nonprofit Solutions for Change says it has paid back more than $500,000 that auditors found had been pulled from reserve accounts tied to its affordable housing projects. The organization’s board has also named Aaron Byzak as its permanent chief executive, closing out a leadership transition that began last year.
County Says Reserves Are Back in Compliance
The County Health and Human Services Agency told The San Diego Union-Tribune by email that the replacement reserve accounts “have been replenished” and are now in compliance with county requirements. The newspaper reported that the nonprofit reimbursed more than $500,000 to meet those obligations.
Audit Flagged Withdrawals in 2023 and 2024
An independent audit released earlier this year detailed multiple withdrawals from replacement reserve accounts in 2023 and 2024, totaling roughly $550,000, that were used to cover operating cash needs. Voice of San Diego reported that the audit listed individual withdrawals ranging from about $8,700 to $180,482 that should have received prior county approval.
Organization Records Lay Out Plan to Rebuild Reserves
Solutions for Change acknowledged the reserve shortfalls in its audited 2024 financial statements and outlined a repayment strategy that could draw on the sale of Neighborhood Stabilization Program properties, short-term borrowing or philanthropic gifts. The nonprofit’s news page and its LinkedIn updates show the board brought in Aaron Byzak as interim CEO in December and that he stepped into the permanent role this spring.
Program Model Has Cost the Nonprofit Public Dollars
Observers and the nonprofit’s own filings note that Solutions for Change’s decision to require sobriety and program participation, rather than adopt the Housing First model, has made it ineligible for some state and federal homeless funding. Voice of San Diego reported that the organization walked away from nearly $600,000 in federal homeless dollars and has since had to lean heavily on donations to keep its programs running.
Green Oak Ranch Move Still Stuck in Neutral
Plans to relocate Solutions for Change operations onto a 110-acre parcel at Green Oak Ranch in Vista remain on hold while eviction disputes at an RV park on the site wind through the courts. The Coast News has reported that multiple households are still fighting eviction notices, which has prevented the nonprofit from taking possession of the property.
What’s Next for Solutions for Change
Board leaders say replenishing the reserves, tightening oversight and restoring donor confidence are the top priorities as the organization works to stabilize operations. In a December press release, Byzak said his focus would be “supporting our team, engaging with donors and community partners, and working closely with the Board to chart a clear and sustainable path forward,” according to Solutions for Change.
