Green Oak Ranch faces lawsuit threatening addiction recovery program and housing stability

The City Council of Vista convened on March 11, 2025, to address various community issues, with a significant focus on homelessness and support services provided by local organizations. The meeting featured testimonies from representatives of Green Oak Ranch, a facility dedicated to assisting women, children, and individuals in recovery.

Brooke Schlang, who manages a women's home at Green Oak Ranch, opened the discussions by highlighting the impact of their programs on residents. She shared success stories of women overcoming challenges such as domestic violence and substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of stable housing and community support. Schlang noted that the home currently accommodates seven women and six children, providing them with affordable rent and resources to achieve self-sufficiency.

Junior Vasallo, the men's programs director at Green Oak Ranch and a former resident, followed Schlang's remarks. He stressed the importance of community awareness and support for their nine-month inpatient program, which aims to help individuals transition from homelessness to stability. Vasallo acknowledged the ongoing homelessness crisis in Vista and called for community involvement to sustain their programs.

Hannah Gailey, the executive director of Green Oak Ranch Ministries, presented a more urgent situation facing the organization. She detailed the financial strain caused by a recent lawsuit and the loss of a significant revenue source from their camp and RV park operations. Gailey warned that the ongoing legal issues could jeopardize the housing and recovery services provided to over 60 residents, many of whom are at risk of homelessness if the organization is forced to close.

Gailey also recounted a recent encampment cleanup that highlighted the harsh realities of homelessness in Vista, including the presence of hazardous materials. She emphasized that recovery programs are essential in addressing homelessness, providing both preventative and restorative solutions. The organization is now seeking support from the city and community to continue its operations and assist those in need.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for the City Council to consider ways to support Green Oak Ranch and its residents, ensuring that they can remain off the streets and continue their recovery journeys. The discussions underscored the critical need for community engagement and resources to tackle homelessness effectively in Vista.