What could improve?? A LOT! FIRST having a new graduate be transitioned out before they have a job and money saved up. What's up with that?? Second background checks on staff!!! Y'all just let anyone in eh? Im still freaking traumatized thanks. Mental health evaluations on people before they come into the program. Because....yikes! Im implicated in something I'm not even a part of . just because I knew a certain former staff member. Staff taking responsibility where it lies with them would also help a lot and go a long way. That place is a depressing program. I was harassed by staff and people in the program alike for a year. All bcuz I spoke up. Yet nothing was done to stop it or prevent it. They simply didn't care. More real life classes need to be applied as well. When you're done with the year you are not ready for the world again. No skills except laundry and housekeeping. If you are not versed in finances you are literally screwed. Stop following people when they go to Albertsons. It's creepy! AsF! I always looked over my shoulder when I left campus. Also the staff members will literally end up where you are going, bcuz they take back roads. It's EXTREMELY creepy and unsettling. The people in the program are not too nice ..they believe the gossip that goes around that place. They will clique up against you and talk smack. Go to your social media and take screenshots of your posts in order to start drama. Do I think this place has value? No not at all. Instead of kicking said staff member out, she was allowed to stay in the same dorm with me where the abuse continued. Towards the end of my stay there she finally ceased. Overall I wouldn't recommend this program to anyone. read more

I was referred here to donate household items. The process was easy. I pulled up, unloaded my car and was given a receipt for tax purposes. In and out in a few minutes. Seems like a good alternative to Goodwill. read more

Amazing Transitional Living Center, very accommodating. Serve 3 meals a day, and you get a bunk bed. It is a Phase based program and work calls in exchange for room & board policy. Will take Single Men, Single Women and Families. read more

Partner came here to get sober and instead drinks and defies the purpose of being there. Staff doesn't pay attention. They let him drive with company vehicle even when he has a drinking problem Men's ranch read more

Much has changed at ECTLC since the original CEO, Harold Brown, passed way and Julie Hayden took over and I fear it's not for the better. It appears as if the Lord is removing his Spirit from this place as all of the leadership who loved the Lord with all their heart, soul, and mind were pushed out by the new CEO and her husband to "cut costs" and high paid consultants (who don't put God first) were brought in from the CEO's personal for profit business. Since ECTLC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, this doesn't seem ethical. ECTLC was once known as a place where Jesus healed people, other Christian organizations were encouraged to volunteer, and no one was turned away due to a lack of funds. Now, it's all about making money with psychology as the main solution and Christianity being used as a tool to try to keep current donors happy. Christian organizations are even discouraged from volunteering and are being asked to give money instead. Julie has started taking government money which means that it can no longer be a faith-based nonprofit. Many board members have left and I'm not even sure they have a legal number of board members now. ECTLC hasn't even had an audit since Julie took over so there's no transparency regarding funding. I pray that I'm wrong about the Lord removing his Spirit from ECTLC, but time will tell and the truth shall come to light. If you're looking for a solidly faith based Christian nonprofit organization, you might want to pray hard about whether or not this place actually fits that bill. God bless you in your search for assistance! read more

I'm in recovery and have tried in several settings. I'm now 7 months sober and counting. I get up everyday and find meaning and satisfaction in life. ECTLC has encouraging staff and leadership. All the participants enjoy this place and get to improve their situations while working to help the community improve. 5 stars read more

Great place to donate items for those in need. Friendly help and such a great service to the community. Definitely a great place to pay it forward. read more

They pray on people in desperate need! this is the biggest Colt like Skin scam I've ever been through in my entire life. After being homeless I Was obligated to live there for a while. I have never been treated so foul in my entire life. They Force everyone there to give up your EBT money, which they claim they use for the food When in reality, it is all donations from charities for the homeless. They put Women and men that have just joined the program In charge of each other, which causes absolute chaos just so they can save a buck or two on hiring actually educated employees. The entire staff is made up of people they have picked up off the streets. They tried to make me give my unemployment to them as well as my son and my Ebt Food stamps. There was constant fights, verbal and physical, constant stealing, Timed three minute showers And lots and lots of chores. I don't know what cleaning the rat cage or picking up dog shit has to do with having a better life or being a christian. I had a severe panic attack and had to be taken to the ER where they forced me to take a drug test and told me I must be on drugs until they realized the drug test came back negative. Even though it came back negative I was still kicked out, they literally left me in the pouring rain, in winter, in pajamas on the side of the road on the way Home from the hospital. They refused to let me get Any of my belongings from the house. They stole And destroyed everything I had to my name; from my food and drink items to Clothing, bedding, priceless valuable possessions such as pictures with my son, and my deceased brother. When I came back to retrieve my items They laughed at me and threatened to call the police for me Being on the premises. They told me I was not allowed at the church As well. They claim to be Christian yet kick people out of God's house? Diane Wheeler called my family at 2 AM Scolding my mother about what a horrible human being I Am. She lied, and claimed she found all kinds of drugs on me yet Could not provide any proof Of any kind. The day after I tried to contact one of the other "staff" Members ( An ex drug addict Who just joined a week after me) She was told if she or Anyone else Had any contact with me they would be kicked out of the program as well. Pam was told Destroy all of my stuff. Everything I owned. They never allowed me to speak with my lawyer, I was not allowed to use the phone, I was not allowed to see my son or my family I was treated like a prisoner They pray on people who are truly in Desperate need of Help. This place needs to be shut down For Their fraudulent behavior and neglect. I have watched them kick out For simply trying to see their family or even get medical help. What disgusting Miserable people they have to be. I will be contacting a lawyer for how I was treated there and For compensation for everything that they stole and destroyed I can't wait for judgment day. read more

East County Transitional Living Center - This is Diane Wheeler, the fraud herself - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - El Cajon, California

Can anyone please help me find out why this private non-profit christian faith based transistional living center doesn't seem to be regulated by any overseeing government agency? I understand that they are the only place that helps the homeless in the city of El Cajon. But is anyone aware that this place charges rent, to individuals and families, and yet is allowed to kick people out like myself and my grandson, without any written warning, no notice to find somewhere else to go. Just hours, and were out on the street. The money they charge is clearly rent. The receipt I have is for the amount of money I paid to have the room we stayed in. Nowhere on the receipt is anything else included. No services or anything. Just rent. Anywhere else in California, they would not be allowed to put people out like this. Im not a recoverimg adfict , Im an excellent caregiver that waa in betwen jobs looking to get baxk on my feet. I've called every agency looking for help This place that is charging this rent money is clearly not a non-profit. They get donations for the work they are doing? I dont think the sponsors or businesses that donate to this place really know what's going on behind the gates of this facility. Do they know that this place is not even registered with the non-profit agency offices that regulate non-profits. They aren't regulated by the gov. offices that oversee homeless shelters because they are not claiming that either. Although their 27-day emergency shelter should fall under that category. They are not even regulated by any office for people who are disabled. Because they blatantly discriminated against my dear friend who was dropped off there by the physical rehab facility in La Mesa that said this place would give him a place to be. But when he went to the office having to use his walker, explained that he'd just been in the hospital and is recovering but had no where to stay, hadn't applied for his disability at that time. This place turned him away. Explaining that they were a "work" program and that since he had a walker and couldn't work, they wouldn't help him. Not even for the 27-day emergency shelter. So, this place needs to be held accountable for the way they run under the radar, avoiding the responsibilities and regulations of any legitimate business. Oh, and as far as donating to this place, please find other needy shelters. This place has truckloads of donated clothes and items, but i couldn't even get clothes until the lady running the pantry made my case mgr. literally look in my room to count the items of clothes I had. Only then was I allowed to pick 5 shirts. Wth? They also only hold families' belongings for 3 days after they kick them out, and then seem to sell them off at their yard sales every Saturday. The residents there aren't even allowed to shop at these sales. What's wrong with that picture? So I'm homeless again with my grandson. I can't even start to look for work till I find a place to live all over again. There's got to be something that can be done. Rent is rent. The programs there are run by people that have been in the program. Not particularly educated in any of the subjects they talk about. It's just insane that they've been getting away with the way things have been there for years. They must answer someone. read more

East County Transitional Living Center - This is rent not program fees - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - El Cajon, California

An amazing place to drop off gently used items, after prepping for a move my family and I gathered up goods and brought them to this nonprofit. The process was fast and the staff got us a tax receipt in just a few minutes. Feels good taking our donations to here rather than a large thrift store that just profits off the donations. read more

This place will work for you if you are in a position to wait the year it takes to get the help you need. Until then, you are put to work, expected to attend all "church" events, comply with rules that seem to change at a moments notice, and basically be a yes man/woman to their every whim. They take half of any money you have or get from whatever source, feed you substandard food, sometimes past expiration dates. At their men's ranch in Dulzura, you are taught the Bible and their teachings, but the leaders there don't seem to practice what they preach. I stayed three months, and while I was very appreciative of being brought in off the streets, I did not appreciate the way I was treated most days. I did not feel relaxed or rested. I felt trapped. Getting searched at any moment, suspected of everything all day long, basically treated like an inmate. The facilities are decent enough, as is the surrounding countryside. But that's about it. They seem to make up rules as they go, and will get rid of you when it fits their pleasure. I'm better off back on the street looking for work on my own terms. Thank you, but no thank you. read more

ECTLC is a wonderful place. I build a relationship with God. I got clean off drugs. A huge life changing experience for me. All the staff members have beautiful hearts. The classes here are very inspiring. The food is amazing! Beds, hot showers, clothes, awesome AC units during the heat. I'm so happy to find this place. If you want to change your life for the best, come to ECTLC and give it a try. It's truly worth it. read more

Best folks to have in your arsenal of helping the homeless and the unwilling or unable to help themselves get off the streets or drugs/alcohol. Praise The Lord Thank You read more

This program is supposed to be for the homeless and the mentally ill however when the homeless who are mentally ill come to the program they are sent away. They offer an 18-month program however when I got to a year I was given a boot. I'm not the only one I've seen many of this happening. They do not abide by county regulations they are mentally abusive in many ways after I was able to get work and pay my first bill for rent I was kicked out immediately. If at all possible I do not recommend this transitional living center. read more

This is not even the full review. It's too long.. It will be posted else where.. Along with the videos of the police interaction To add my personal experience with this CULT & their narcissistic leader (ms.wendee andujar) who shows significant signs of grandiose & superiority. Runs the program in a gang-like structure with "staff" who are also residents that are not trained in such a position. Definitely let her position of authority go to her head & definitely abused her power. As she aggressively & maliciously lied on me and my family and made us depart the program early. Her intentions were completely ill-willed towards us after I freely told her that our intentions were to use the program as a stepping stone to obtain everything on our own as far as housing & work, Etc. Which I thought that would be fine and appraised by them, seeing a family who is trying to work for themselves with just a little assistance. But I guess that meant we EVENTUALLY wouldn't be a paycheck for Ms. Wendee Andujar & the rest of the occult. Seeing as how she was trying persuade us passive aggressively at first, then it transitioned into an aggressive controlling manner, in which I spoke up for myself and my family. We also explained that we don't believe in pharmecueticals and we choose to use herbs and plants for a multitude of health concerns such as pain, postpartum, anxiety etc. In the end in resulted into PUNISHMENT for us. We were thrown out with our kids and none of our belongings earlier then expected, not knowing what we were going to do, then threatened with CPS about it. read more

If your in need for shelter DO NOT come here they expect you to pay 700$ of rent to stay there in one of the rooms and pay for food with food stamps and or EBT, we were struggling for so long we expected this place to help but Nope, also this place is the closest thing I've seen to a cult they praise the Lord and u can't have different opinions or belief or they will bad mouth you , staff are very rude. They steal ur mail and important documents I would have rather sleep in my car than every stay there again. read more

I was asked to leave because of back pain. And dropped off with another Woman at a trolley late at night. Diane at the woman's ranch would be very hard on me if I left my room when it was time for Bible study. I would get a word fast or copy the Bible 50 times. Different places they would ask you to copy. The Pastor told Diane to move me down to the I call it hotel where you go after the ranch. She told me she would make it very difficult when Pastor Howard said that. Diane. Tina Clarissa were all very hard on me for no reason. I once told staff a girl was cutting her arm with a knife and I got in trouble for nothing I straight up said you don't like me and they answered yes. I recently saw Clarissa and she was rude of course. If you can deal with all the problems not going to a dr able to get meds no phone and at a ranch for 90 days. With women that steal your belongings. Reported that and they knew who it was. That's grounds for dismissal. I had to go to court one day they sent a girl for accountability she was asked to leave by the Judge with the other girl that came into the court room laughing interrupted the Judge. That's accountability? There is a lot more but I don't trust the place. I wanted to work so bad but never allowed to. read more

They give you a place to stay. Thats nice, but they make you hold signs by road while charging Ashley Furniture $10.00 per hour and give you nothing, except a place to sleep and 3 small pieces of meat. there is NO SMOKING and if you happen to have a $1.00 and get a soda,, You can't have it.. Oh and Don't forget NO TV or PHONES................. This place is Classic SLAVERY... NOW I know how the slaves LIVED....... i WILL BE GOING TO THE feds ABOUT THIS.. i MEAN PEOPLE IN A REST HOME GET $50.00 TO $100.00 A MONTH....... read more

I'm finally on the family restoration program and I share a room, so my rent is $375 a month which is more affordable for me. The people that I have meet with that are in the program are really nice and helpful. Of course, there are rules and guidelines that you must follow, this is a program to help you get your life in order and the program classes count as hours needed for cal-works. They have done a lot of remodeling and the place is looking really good. The playground has been fixed and is now safe for the little ones to play. They have put in BBQ and a nice picnic area to eat in. The Church/dining hall has been cleaned up and looking nice. The room that I share is okay. I have a nice clean bed to sleep on with my son. There is a mini frig in the room, No microwave, TV with cable and lots of shelf space. The only problem that I have is that when taking a shower the water goes from hot to cold in a blink of an eye but it's not that big of a deal. I have come across a couple of bugs but I just put out some bug traps and they're gone. I'm feeling happy and blessed to be here with my son. I'm thankful for everyone who decided to take a chance on me and letting us into the program; even after reading first review on ECTLC. The truth of the matter here is that, I am honest about what I experience about the place I'm reviewing. I don't feel that getting nasty or ugly about it is helpful but putting in an intelligent and honest review will help people decide whether or not that this is the place for them. This is in reply to Jason's review. You are allowed to have phones but when you are in class the phone must be on vibrate or silent. You are not to leave the class to answer your phone, either. (I'm sure that in an emergency that would not be a problem) There is no smoking on the premises but you can smoke out on the street away from the buildings. This is a family program and keeping the kids away from smoke is healthy. read more

I hired ECTLC to clear a couple acres of weeds and brush. These guys are very hard workers and did a great job. I will be hiring them again. Thank you Steven and your guys read more