A Few Minutes with Deme Hill

Deme Hill, Continuum of Care Lead, Regional Task Force on the Homeless

As someone who has devoted much of her adult life to helping those in need, Deme Hill is grateful for the strength of the federal government to improve lives.

With a staff of 25, the Regional Task Force on the Homeless has the daunting task of helping ease this growing societal issue. Since last year, Deme has presided over the annual process of distributing federal funds to regional agencies to mitigate the crisis.

Along with her nearly 25 years in social services, her credentials include an undergraduate degree in business management administration and a master’s in public relations, each from Cal Baptist University and soon enough, a doctorate in public administration from the same institution.

In addition, she’s also the proud and busy mother of four children, a role she welcomes as her “real job.”

What exactly does Regional Task Force on the Homeless do?
Our agency is designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to oversee homelessness funds that come to San Diego. Each year we oversee approximately $21 million in federal monies. We also just received nearly $8 million from HUD for a new locally-based initiative to help end youth homelessness.

How has recent homelessness crisis impacted your work?
That’s our “book of business” in which we work with other jurisdictions in the community on housing and homelessness. Everything we do, every day, is aimed at ending homelessness.

In your view, is the problem of homelessness getting better or worse?
Historically, the problem of homelessness has not been solved in America in totality. Here in San Diego, we have more and more individuals who are “presenting” for multiple reasons, including the region’s housing unaffordability. Earlier this year, we engaged individuals in a more accurate, authentic way with our “Point in Time” homeless count.

How has more personal background shaped your sense of empathy for this role?
I feel like I was really “called” to this type of work. I started in the field of social services almost 25 years ago. Since that time, I’ve been involved in criminal justice, employment, and of course, housing. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to serve our community in partnership with the federal government as we work together to solve highly complex social issues.

When you go home every day, how do you measure success?
When I go home, it’s to my “real” job, which is raising four children. I’m also a full-time student working toward my doctorate degree at Cal Baptist University. My professional goal is to end homelessness here in San Diego. I like to say that I measure success by fighting the good fight -- every day and doing the best we can.

How has LISC San Diego helped your agency?
I’m so excited we were able to work with LISC to get two AmeriCorps members on our staff. We’re extremely grateful for our partnership with LISC. Both of our organizations are charged with improving our community, and we are grateful for the partnership.

Deme Hill
Continuum of Care Lead
Regional Task Force on the Homeless
4699 Murphy Canyon Road, Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92123
858-292-7627 x18
deme.hill@rtfhsd.org