Veterans Winter Shelter Open December 7 - April 6


THANK YOU!

YOU DID IT!! Thank you all very very much for your generous donations. You made sure that our homeless veterans will be served three meals a day through the closing of the winter shelter in early-April. We could not have done it without you.

VVSD has a contract to manage and operate the Veterans Winter Shelter. But it only pays for two meals a day. We believe our homeless veterans deserve three meals a day. To do that, VVSD had to raise an additional $35,000 to pay for the third meal during the four months the shelter is open.

This is the 15th 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 6, 2012.

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.

Toiletries also needed for homeless veterans

Donated items for men and women that will be gratefully accepted include:

  • shampoo
  • conditioner
  • body wash
  • combs and brushes
  • hair gel
  • toothbrushes
  • toothpaste
  • dental floss
  • deodorant
  • lip balm
  • disposable razors
  • shaving cream
  • feminine products
  • 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.