Seasonal Shelter Project
Every winter for the past six years, Vietnam Veterans of San Diego has provided
a warm and safe environment for homeless veterans through its seasonal shelter
project located in the Sports Arena area. According to the San Diego Regional
Task Force on the Homeless, San Diego is home to 1,600 homeless veterans,
of which 449 were resident of the veteran shelter at some point during this
past season. Residents of the seasonal shelter were housed in a “tent
like” structure, which has the capacity to comfortably hold 150 homeless
male veterans. Since VVSD began operating the veteran seasonal shelter, we
have experienced a great deal of successes. From the very beginning, VVSD
believed that for us to provide the veterans residing in the seasonal shelter
the highest quality of service, we needed to know what their issues were related
to homelessness. Every client prior to intake must be assessed by a Staff
Coordinator to help determine each client's specific need. After intake, each
client is assigned to a specific Staff Coordinator for case management.
“We have been exceptionally successful, due in large part
to Andre
Simpson who has run the program from Day One!” — Al Pavich, CEO
Over the past six years of operating the veteran shelter, VVSD has established
collaborations with many different organizations in the community in order
to bring services to the shelter residents. Such organizations include St.
Vincent de Paul Village, Pathfinders, Senior Community Center, San Diego Superior
Court, Family Health Center and many more. Many of the agencies that are providing
services to the shelter residents have commented on how organized and relaxed
the clients are. VVSD feels this is due to the shelter staff teaching the
clients the importance of responsibility and being accountable. Not only has
VVSD received favorable comments from service providers, but also from local
neighborhood business commending us on operating such a major event with little
or no impact on their business. This year we began a neighborhood clean up
project in collaboration with the North Bay Business Improvement District
(BID). The project involved residents of the veteran shelter volunteering
their time to go out into the community with a representative from the BID,
to clean up vacant lots, remove paint graffiti from walls, building and much
more. Shelter residents were excited about this project because it was a way
for them to show pride in a neighborhood in which they were now lining as
well as a way of thanking the neighbors for allowing the shelter to be placed
in their community. "I feel this is a testament to the fact that VVSD
runs a high quality shelter, meeting the needs of the clients, while at the
same time meeting some needs of the local community", said Andre Simpson.
During the period the veteran shelter is in operation, San Diego Police statistics
have shown that crime in the community which houses the veteran shelter decreases.
Our veteran shelter is not just a place for homeless veterans to sleep, but a
place for homeless veterans to acquire the necessary tools in order to change
their lives. Our shelter is committed to offering every individual an opportunity
to become self sufficient as well as drug and alcohol free., Shelter residents
begin their day at 5:30 a.m. every morning. After breakfast, residents must
do an assigned chore prior to leaving the facility. Chores include wiping
down tables, sweeping and emptying trash cans. These chores help to maintain
a clean and safe living environment as well as teaching responsibility. Shelter
residents can access services such as mental health and substance abuse counseling,
NA/AA groups, employment counseling, medical, legal, clothing, transportation
assistance and housing referral including an on-site Housing fair. Each year,
thanks to the generosity of a few donors, VVSD is able to provide a small
Christmas gift to the residents of the seasonal shelter. This along with a
few other special events throughout the season brings a sense of family to
every individual residing in the shelter. Despite the fact that there is always
a shortage of resources available, the veteran seasonal shelter program provides
homeless veterans a continuum of supportive services that create credible
and long-lasting recovery from homelessness.
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