San Diego Shelters and Homeless Assistance
From San Diego Wiki
Those of us who live surrounded by beaches and palm trees often refer to San Diego as paradise. However, issues that concern other American urban centers have not passed us by, and a large number of San Diegans live without permanent residence. To help alleviate the problems associated with homelessness, a number of organizations are working to provide shelter, food, and training to those in San Diego who are in need. To find out how you can help members of the homeless population in San Diego, or if you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please consult the organizations listed below.
Alpha Project for the Homeless
This is a nonprofit organization that provides services to San Diego’s homeless population including emergency shelter, counseling, and transportation assistance.
3737 Fifth Avenue, Suite 203
San Diego, CA 92103
Telephone: 619.542.1877
Aplha Project for the Homeless Website
BrotherBennos.org
This is a ministry that provides several services for the homeless and working poor, including food, clothing, shelter, and legal assistance. Brother Bennos is located in Oceanside.
3260 Production Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92054
BrotherBennos Website
Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego
Provides many social services for both homeless men and women in San Diego and imperial counties. La Posada de Guadalupe is a shelter located in the North County for use by both male day laborers and homeless men. Homeless women and their families can use the House of Hope shelter, while the House of Rachel is a shelter for homeless women 50 years of age and older.
349 Cedar Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: 619.231.2828
Fax: 619.234.2272
Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego Website
City of San Diego Homeless Services
Is a Department of the City of San Diego that works in collaboration with other organizations to provide services to the city’s homeless population. They also run a central information line whereby people calling can obtain up-to-date information on shelters and services.
Contact: Sharon Johnson, Homeless Services Administrator
1200 Third Avenue, MS-56D
San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: 619.533.6525
Fax: 619.533.3219
Info line: 619.230.0997
Email: srjohnson@sandiego.gov
City of San Diego Homeless Services Website
City of San Diego Homeless Services Website
County of San Diego, Housing and Community Development
The County of San Diego mostly distributes funds to shelters and programs that aid the homeless, including a Cold Weather Shelter Voucher Program that provides vouchers to San Diego-area hotels and motels for families with children, and disabled or elderly persons. This program is run in the winter, usually from late November to early April.
Cold Weather Shelter Voucher Program: 619-231-2828
County of San Diego, Housing and Community Development Website
Interfaith Shelter Network
Is an umbrella network connecting religious, social service, and government organizations that aid San Diego’s homeless community. Its two broad programs are the faith-based Rotational Shelter Program and the El Nido Transitional Living Program for homeless victims of domestic violence and their families.
1880 Third Ave., #12
San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: 619.702.5399
Email: interfaith@interfaithshelter.org
Email (Rotational Shelter Program): joe@interfaithshelter.org
Email (El Nido Transitional Living Program): fjinesta@interfaithshelter.org
Interfaith Shelter Network Website
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans/Vietnam Veterans of San Diego
Targets homeless veterans with substance abuse problems. This organization offers programs such as transitional housing, mental health services, drug treatment, and job training and placement. Both male and female veterans are helped in their drug and alcohol treatment center.
National Coalition Website
Omega Phoenix
Is a 24-hour homeless shelter that offers counselling and employment assistance.
Telephone: 866.539.1023
Fax: 951.461.7348
Email: info@omegaphoenix.com
Omegaphoenix Website
Regional Task Force on the Homeless
Is supported in part by the City and County of San Diego and the United Way. This task force studies homelessness in San Diego and suggests policy and program ideas. The Task Force’s website includes a profile of every organization in San Diego that serves the homeless community as well as a centralized data service for use by homeless service providers.
Regional Task Force on the Homeless Website
San Diego Rescue Mission:Homeless Shelter, Recovery and Transition to Self-Sufficiency
Is a Christian organization that serves homeless men, women, and children. Some of their programs include emergency shelter services and addiction treatment.
PO Box 80427
San Diego, CA 92138
Telephone: 619.687.3720
Email: info@sdrescue.org
San Diego Rescue Mission Website
San Diego Youth and Community Services, Storefront Emergency Shelter
Is the only shelter in San Diego exclusively for homeless or runaway youth. Programs include both a day and night shelter, a foster program, and an anti-child prostitution network.
3255 Wing Street
San Diego, CA 92110
Telephone: 619.221.8600
San Diego Youth and Community Services, Storefront Emergency Shelter Website
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD’s website lists shelters in the San Diego area, including a number to contact for the current availability of homeless services.
Telephone: 211 or 858.300.1211
Email: ResourceCenter@211sandiego.org
HUD Website
Second Chance/Strive
Serving a population that includes homeless persons, Second Chance offers jobs skills training for people looking for work. Graduates of the program may also be eligible to receive a variety of social services as they seek employment.
6145 Imperial Avenue
San Diego, CA 92114-4213
Phone: 619.234.8888
Fax: 619.234.7787
Email: secondchance@secondchanceprogram.org
Second Chance/Strive Website
