When I began working on my Social Environment Assessment Paper for El Cajon, I thought I already knew my community well. After all, I live here, serve here, and worship here. But what I didn’t expect was how deeply this assignment would open my eyes—not only to the social challenges that face this city but also to the strength, resilience, and untapped potential within its people.
A City of Cultural Richness—and Hidden Challenges
El Cajon, known as the “Big Box” for its valley location, is more than just a suburb of San Diego. It’s a vibrant, diverse hub for many immigrant communities, especially Middle Eastern and East African families. Yet, despite this diversity, many voices remain unheard—underrepresented in the census and underserved by public policy (Braun, 2016; Srikrishnan, 2021).
What struck me most in my research is how language barriers, poverty, and limited culturally competent services have led to systemic challenges, particularly around homelessness and access to care. The poverty rate here is nearly 19%, significantly higher than the national average (Data USA, 2022), and rental prices are climbing beyond the reach of many families (RentCafe, n.d.).
Faces of Faith and Service
Despite these hardships, what inspires me most is how the faith-based and nonprofit sectors have stepped up. Organizations like the East County Transitional Living Center (ECTLC), the Chaldean Community Council, and the Salvation Army are doing the essential work—providing food, shelter, addiction recovery, and emotional support grounded in dignity and faith (ECTLC, n.d.; The Salvation Army, n.d.; Chaldean Community Council, n.d.).
Working with BLISS Care Foundation has shown me firsthand how critical it is to meet people where they are—culturally, emotionally, and spiritually. Our underserved seniors often fall through the cracks of larger systems. Yet, every day, I see how personalized care and advocacy can restore hope.
A Turning Point for Representation
One exciting development is the San Diego County Board of Supervisors’ recent decision to add a “Middle Eastern or North African” (MENA) category to local government forms (Raftery, 2024). This is more than a checkbox—it’s a step toward visibility and equity. Representation matters, and when we acknowledge the true makeup of our communities, we can finally begin to serve them effectively.
My Role as a Social Worker—and a Neighbor
This assignment deepened my calling as a future clinical social worker. Whether it’s through case management, policy advocacy, or direct service, I want to be part of the movement that pushes for long-term solutions—not just quick fixes. I see myself working at a place like ECTLC, guiding families through recovery and empowerment. And I’ll continue serving through my church and BLISS, knowing that every act of service ripples through our community.
El Cajon may struggle, but it also shines. It’s a city with a heart, a future, and a deep need for culturally competent social work grounded in compassion and advocacy. Writing this paper was a reminder that understanding our environment is the first step in transforming it—with open eyes, listening hearts, and hands ready to serve.
Braun, S. (2016, April 18). 50,000 Chaldeans live in El Cajon. San Diego Reader.https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/2016/apr/20/cover-closed-box-el-cajon/
BLISS Care Foundation. (n.d.). Mission and Vision. https://www.blisscarefoundation.org/about-us/
Census. (2022). QuickFacts: El Cajon, CA.https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/elcajoncitycalifornia/PST045224
Chaldean Community Council. (n.d.). About Us. https://chaldeancouncil.org/about-us-chaldean-community-council/
Data USA. (2022). El Cajon, CA. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/el-cajon-ca
East County Transitional Living Center. (n.d.). Mission and Vision. https://ectlc.org/mission-and-vision/
East County Transitional Living Center. (n.d.). Mayor Wells & Friends in Concert. https://ectlc.org/this-year-we-need-your-help-more-than-ever-2/
Helping Empower Community Refugees. (2016). https://hecr.org
Raftery, M. (2024, May 14). Supervisors approve adding “Middle Eastern or North African” category to county forms. East County Magazine. https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/supervisors-approve-adding-“middle-eastern-or-north-african”-category-county-forms
RentCafe. (n.d.). El Cajon, CA Rental Market Trends. https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/ca/el-cajon/
San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness. (2023). 2022 Data Performance Report. https://www.rtfhsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2022-Data-Performance-Report_FINAL.pdf
Srikrishnan, M. (2021, March 18). Middle Eastern communities say census whitewashes their numbers, needs. Voice of San Diego. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2021/03/18/middle-eastern-communities-say-census-whitewashes-their-numbers-needs/
The Salvation Army. (n.d.). The East County Red Shield Food Bank & Family Resources Center.https://elcajon.salvationarmy.org/el_cajon_corps/overcome-poverty/