Veterans Homeless Shelter To Stay Open Through June 30!


The San Diego City Council voted to keep the Veterans Homeless Shelter open through the end of June.

The council funded about 80% of our costs to keep 150 homeless veterans off the streets and safe for 90 days beyond the previously scheduled closing date of March 30th.

VVSD President and CEO Phil Landis said this is not just due to luck, but to the efforts of many people and groups, from Mayor Bob Filner on down. "We owe thanks to Mayor Filner, the Housing Commission, the United Veterans Council, "Waterman" Dave Ross, the Navy, which owns the land we sit on, and so many more, and of course the Council members for casting the critical vote that made it all fall into place."

Navy veteran Doug Clarkson says there's little doubt the shelter saved his life.

"I'm homeless, but for me it's even more dangerous, because I'm diabetic. Too often out on the streets, I couldn't get anything to eat, and if you're diabetic, you can't go hungry. Here at the shelter, I get regular meals. They've also opened the way for me to get job training and classes I need to get off the streets for good. Yeah, I'd say the shelter saved my life."

WE NEED YOUR HELP. Because the shelter will be open an extra 90 days, we need assistance in supplying our veterans with additional items they need, including a lunch meal, that is not included in the extension approved by the council. The meal alone requires an additional VVSD expense of $27,000. See list below of other needs.

Donate Online!
  Or send a check made payable to Veterans Village of San Diego
 4141 Pacific Highway, San Diego, California 92110. Thank you.

Items needed for homeless veterans

Donated items for men that will be gratefully accepted include:

  • new men's socks
  • new men's underwear
  • jackets
  • sweatshirts
  • sweaters
  • nen's shoes, all sizes
  • men's shirts
  • men's pants
  • toothbrushes
  • tooth past
  • dental floss
  • disposable razors
  • hand sanitizer
  • liquid soap
  • toiletry kits
You may bring items to Veterans Village of San Diego, 4141 Pacific Highway, San Diego, California 92110. Contact Us

Veterans make up a big part of the homeless population

It's estimated that 30%-40% of San Diego County's homeless are veterans. These men and women served their country, raising their right hand "to protect and defend the United States of America." They did not volunteer to be homeless.

Our winter shelter is not just a place for homeless veterans to sleep, but a place for them to acquire the necessary tools to change their lives. We are committed to offering every individual an opportunity to become self-sufficient, as well as drug- and alcohol- free. In addition to food and shelter, residents can access services such as:

  • Mental health and substance abuse counseling
  • NA/AA groups
  • Employment counseling
  • Medical referrals
  • Legal help
  • Clothing
  • Transportation assistance
As part of the intake process, clients are assessed to determine their individual needs. After intake, each client is assigned to a specific Staff Coordinator for case management. Over the years VVSD has established collaborations with many different organizations in the community in order to bring services to the shelter residents. Our partners include:
  • St. Vincent de Paul Village
  • Pathfinders
  • Senior Community Center
  • San Diego Superior Court
  • Family Health Center and many more.
This is the 16th consecutive year that VVSD has operated the Veterans Winter Shelter. As in years past, the facility opened to a long line of homeless veterans waiting to get in. The tent will stay up through April 5, 2013.

The Veterans Winter Shelter is one of VVSD's key outreach and intervention programs.

Over the years, stories abound of homeless veterans who have turned their lives around with the help they received at the shelter.

Staffed 24/7 by three shifts of VVSD employees, the shelter provides a range of services, including employment, housing and medical referrals. Mental health counseling is available every night. AA and NA meetings are held every morning.

The San Diego Housing Commission has administered the contract and funding for the Veterans Temporary Winter Shelter since 2010 under a memorandum of understanding with the City of San Diego. The shelter is operated by Veterans Village of San Diego at the US Navy SPAWAR facility.
We believe intensive treatment leads to self-sustaining independence,
the maximizing of human potential and a meaningful, fulfilling life.
Our veterans are worthy of nothing less.