SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Thousands of San Diegans don’t have a home. They live on the streets, in shelters, or in their cars.
Thousands more people are one paycheck away from becoming homeless.
As a county, San Diego has the fourth-largest homeless population in the United States. It’s a crisis we can no longer ignore as someone else’s problem and that’s why we at ABC10 News are “Facing it Together.”
Watch our 10News Facing It Together special report Monday, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. on ABC10.
10News is seeking out and offering our community some solutions to address the homelessness crisis in San Diego. To help, we've created this resource guide to help those in need for assistance.
WHERE TO START
Dial 211: You can reach a free, confidential hotline for help with multiple services. Representatives are on hand 24 hours a day to answer all questions. Last year, the hotline received more than 500,000 calls, about a fourth of which dealt with housing concerns. The same services are provided online. Learn more
FOR HOUSING
City of San Diego: Anyone in need of a bed in one of the city’s four emergency shelters and three bridge shelters will be placed through an assessment, with space going to the “most vulnerable people first”, the city reports. The assessment can be taken at multiple locations around the city, most of which provide other services to the homeless. Learn more
San Diego Housing Commission: The City of San Diego also partners with the SDHC to provide care for individuals and families in different stages of homelessness through shelters, help with rental payments, and federal housing vouchers. Learn more
MULTI-CARE AGENCIES
Veterans Village of San Diego: The group has transitional housing for eligible veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. VVSD says the rent for the furnished apartments is affordable and based on income. Employment and rehabilitation services are also provided. Learn more
Alpha Project: There are hundreds of housing units available in Downtown San Diego, Chula Vista, Escondido, and Normal Heights. Employment and hospice care are available. Learn more
Father Joe’s Villages: In addition to emergency shelters, the charity provides short-term rental assistance, permanent supportive housing, and affordable apartment units. Basic needs like showers and meals are also available. Learn more
YWCA: The homeless are provided interim, transitional, and permanent housing, along with supportive services for victims of domestic violence. Learn more
PATH: Services include employment, outreach, housing navigation, interim housing, rapid rehousing, and permanent supportive housing. Learn more
Jewish Family Service: San Diegans who are living in their vehicles are welcome to join the Safe Parking Program, operating seven nights a week at three secured lots on Balboa Ave., Aero Drive, and a lot on Mission Village Drive capable of accepting RVs. JFS has a wide range of aid, including food pantries. Learn more
Courage to Call: Current and former service members and their families can call a free, confidential, veteran-staffed helpline to find help. Services include housing, food, rent assistance, counseling, employment and legal aid. Learn more
Solutions for Change: The group’s 1,000-day program is designed to create permanent change for families in crisis. Learn more
FOOD
Cal Fresh: California’s food assistance program provides options. See if you are eligible and apply for benefits online. Learn more
Feeding San Diego: The group feeds more than 63,000 children, families, and seniors every week. More than 500 donors, including grocery stores, restaurants, farms, and retailers like Starbucks, provide food. Learn more
San Diego Food Bank: In 2018, the group distributed more than 28 million pounds of food, along with diapers. Learn more
Food Banks: 211 San Diego has a list of food distribution centers to find help in your area. Learn more
EDUCATION AND COLLEGES
Students can get help with basic needs, including food, at UC San Diego, San Diego State University, Mira Costa College, San Diego City College, Palomar College, Mesa College, University of San Diego, Cal State San Marcos, Southwestern College, Grossmont College.
OTHER SERVICES
San Diego Police Homeless Outreach Team: Police encourage you to call 619-446-1010 if you need assistance.
Storage Centers: The City of San Diego has two storage centers providing lockers and bins for personal items. Users must be referred through a service provider or City staff member.
