Where to Go: A Homeless Navy Veteran's Guide to San Diego Services

This Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their all. I also think of those who came home with little and ended up on the street without much life left to them. As a homeless Navy veteran in San Diego with only a cell phone, here's your step-by-step roadmap to accessing immediate help and long-term housing solutions.

Your First Call: Veterans Crisis Line

📞 Call: 988, Press 1 (24/7, free from any phone)

Immediate crisis support and suicide prevention
Can connect you directly to local VA resources
Available via text: 838255
Confidential support from fellow veterans

Step 1: Get to the Homelessness Response Center (HRC)

📍 Location: 1250 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Downtown) ⏰ Hours: Monday-Thursday: 7-11 AM and 8 AM-4 PM; Friday: 8 AM-2 PM; Saturday: 9 AM-3 PM

Getting There:

Take MTS bus route 3, 11, or 120 to downtown
From anywhere in San Diego: Call 211 for free transportation assistance
Ask about emergency bus tokens at any police station

What They'll Do:

Immediate needs assessment
Connect you to Coordinated Entry System
Provide emergency shelter referrals
Help apply for VA benefits
Give you a storage locker and hygiene facilities

Step 2: VA San Diego Healthcare System - Homeless Program

📞 Call: (858) 552-8585 ext. 2313 📍 Location: 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161

What to Bring:

Your military ID or DD-214 (discharge papers) if you have them
Don't worry if you don't have documents - they can help verify your service

Services Available:

HUD-VASH vouchers: Permanent housing with rental assistance
SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families): Rapid rehousing
VA medical care: Physical and mental health services
Substance abuse treatment if needed
Case management: Long-term support

Step 3: Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD)

📞 Call: (858) 453-3350 📍 Location: 4141 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92110

Emergency Shelter:

40 beds specifically for veterans
No sobriety requirement for admission
Meals, showers, laundry, storage
On-site case management

Getting Admitted:

Call ahead or walk in
Tell them you're a Navy veteran experiencing homelessness
They work with HRC and VA for coordinated placement

Step 4: Father Joe's Villages - Veterans Programs

📞 Call: (619) 233-8165 📍 Multiple locations, main campus: 1501 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

Services:

Emergency shelter beds
Veterans-specific housing programs
Job training and employment services
On-site medical clinic (Village Health Center)
Legal assistance for benefits appeals

Financial Emergency Assistance

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society 📞 Call: (619) 556-7023 📍 Location: Naval Base San Diego

Emergency financial assistance for active duty and veterans
Help with utilities, rent, food
Interest-free loans and grants

American Legion Post 6 📞 Call: (619) 239-2251

Emergency financial assistance
Help navigating VA benefits
Transportation vouchers

Daily Survival Resources

Meals:

Father Joe's Villages: 3 meals daily, no questions asked
Salvation Army: 1501 Imperial Ave, breakfast and dinner
St. Vincent de Paul: Various locations, hot meals

Hygiene and Showers:

Think Dignity: Mobile shower trailers (call 211 for schedule)
Father Joe's Villages: Day center with showers, laundry
YMCA: Some locations offer day passes for veterans

Storage:

Homelessness Response Center: Free lockers
Think Dignity: Transitional storage center

The VA Benefits Process

Step 1: Enrollment

Go to VA Medical Center or call (858) 552-8585
Bring any military documents you have
They can verify your service in their system

Step 2: Housing Applications

HUD-VASH: Permanent housing voucher (longest-term solution)
SSVF: Rapid rehousing (faster, shorter-term)
Both require case management participation

Step 3: Disability Claim

File for service-connected disabilities
Can provide monthly income
Veterans Service Organizations can help for free

Key Phone Numbers to Save

211: Information and referrals (24/7)
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1
VA Homeless Hotline: (877) 424-3838
HRC: (619) 446-2002
VVSD: (858) 453-3350
Father Joe's: (619) 233-8165

What to Expect Timeline-Wise

Immediate (Same Day):

Emergency shelter bed
Hot meal and shower
Crisis counseling if needed

Within 1 Week:

VA enrollment and benefits application
Case manager assignment
Housing assessment

Within 30 Days:

Placement on housing wait list
Possible temporary housing
Medical care established

Within 90 Days:

Potential permanent housing placement
Benefits income starting
Long-term case management

Tips for Success

Be Persistent: Housing wait lists are long, but veterans get priority Stay in Touch: Keep appointments with case managers Use Your Phone: Save all important numbers and set appointment reminders Get Documentation: Ask for copies of everything you sign Stay Safe: Use buddy system at night, avoid substance use that could disqualify you from programs

Special Navy Resources

Navy Safe Harbor 📞 Call: (619) 767-6800

Support for wounded, ill, and injured sailors
Can help with expedited VA claims

Fleet and Family Support Center 📞 Call: (619) 556-2563

Counseling services
Emergency assistance
Referrals to community resources

Red Flags to Avoid

Any program asking for money upfront
Anyone promising immediate housing for a fee
Scams targeting veterans' benefits
Programs requiring you to give up your phone or ID

Remember: You served your country, and these services exist because you've earned them. Don't hesitate to ask for help - the system is designed to support veterans like you.

24/7 Emergency Contacts:

Crisis: 911
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1
Information: 211
Police (Non-Emergency): (619) 531-2000

Resources for Older Vietnam Veterans: Medical Care and Support in San Diego

As a Vietnam veteran facing health challenges and financial hardship in your senior years, here's your guide to accessing medical care, benefits, and support services - regardless of service connection status.

Priority: Immediate Medical Care

VA San Diego Healthcare System - Geriatric Care 📞 Call: (858) 552-8585 📍 Location: 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161

Even Without Service-Connected Disabilities, You May Qualify For:

Priority Group 5: Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange
Priority Group 6: Veterans with $0 income or receiving VA pension
Priority Group 8: Veterans with limited income (income limits change annually)

What They Can Provide:

Primary care physician
Specialist referrals
Prescription medications (often at reduced cost)
Mental health services including PTSD treatment
Emergency care

Special Vietnam Veteran Considerations

Agent Orange Exposure Claims 📞 VA Benefits Hotline: (800) 827-1000

Presumptive Conditions: Even if not previously service-connected, you may qualify for:

Type 2 Diabetes
Heart disease (ischemic)
Parkinson's disease
Various cancers
Peripheral neuropathy
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

What This Means:

Automatic service connection for these conditions
Retroactive benefits possible
Medical care becomes free for these conditions
Monthly disability compensation

Medicare + VA Coordination

If You Have Medicare:

VA can bill Medicare for non-service-connected care
You keep both benefits
Often results in no out-of-pocket costs
VA coordinates care between systems

Medicare Advantage Plans:

Some have special veteran benefits
Call your plan to discuss VA coordination

Senior-Specific Programs

VA HISA (Health Identification and Screening of American Veterans) 📞 Call: (858) 552-8585

Free health screening for Vietnam veterans
Helps identify undiagnosed service-connected conditions
Can lead to disability benefits and free medical care

Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) 📞 Call: (858) 495-5500

Help navigating Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits
Long-term care planning
In-home services coordination

Financial Assistance for Healthcare

VA Aid and Attendance Benefit 📞 Call: (858) 552-8585

Monthly pension for veterans needing daily assistance
Up to $2,431/month (2025 rates)
Can help pay for in-home care or assisted living
Based on need, not service connection

Eligibility:

Served during wartime (Vietnam era qualifies)
Limited income and assets
Need help with daily activities

Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) 📞 Call: (855) 847-3632

Can cover long-term care costs
Supplements VA benefits
Covers services VA doesn't provide

Local Senior Services

Serving Seniors 📞 Call: (619) 235-6572 📍 Multiple locations throughout San Diego

Services:

Senior nutrition program (free meals)
Case management
Benefits enrollment assistance
Transportation to medical appointments
Wellness programs

At-Risk Senior Housing:

Seniors Safe at Home program (if income-qualified)
$500/month rental assistance for seniors 55+
Partnership with Lucky Duck Foundation and SDHC

County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services 📞 Call: (800) 510-2020

In-home supportive services
Adult protective services
Caregiver support
Emergency response systems

Veterans Service Organizations (Free Help)

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) 📞 Call: (858) 552-7484 📍 Location: VA Medical Center

American Legion Post 6 📞 Call: (619) 239-2251 📍 Location: 2464 Market Street, San Diego

VFW Post 1509 📞 Call: (619) 276-1100

What They Do:

File VA disability claims (free)
Appeal denied claims
Help with benefit applications
Provide emergency financial assistance
Transportation to VA appointments

Housing Assistance

If You're At Risk of Homelessness:

VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH)

Permanent housing vouchers for veterans
No service connection required
Based on need and vulnerability

Senior Housing Options:

Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers
Low-income senior housing developments
Board and care facilities (VA may help pay)

Emergency Assistance:

Father Joe's Villages senior programs
Interfaith Community Services
Catholic Charities senior services

Mental Health and PTSD

VA PTSD Treatment 📞 Call: (858) 552-8585

Available regardless of service connection
Vet Centers provide counseling
Group therapy with other Vietnam veterans
Family counseling available

San Diego Vet Center 📞 Call: (858) 642-1500 📍 Location: 2790 Truxtun Road, Suite 130, San Diego

Services:

Individual counseling
Group therapy
Couples/family counseling
Community outreach
Connection to other veterans

Prescription Drug Assistance

VA Pharmacy Benefits:

$11 copay for most medications (2025 rate)
$0 copay if receiving VA pension
Some medications free regardless of income

Medicare Part D:

Extra Help program for low-income seniors
Can reduce prescription costs to $1.55-$4.30 per prescription

Pharmaceutical Company Programs:

Many offer free medications for seniors
Income-based eligibility
Ask your doctor or pharmacist

Transportation Solutions

VA Medical Transport:

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) van service
Free rides to VA appointments
Call 3 days in advance: (858) 552-7484

County Transportation:

Senior citizen discounts on MTS
Paratransit services for disabled seniors
Medical transport vouchers

Emergency Financial Assistance

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society 📞 Call: (619) 556-7023

Emergency financial assistance
Help with utilities, rent, medical bills
No-interest loans and grants

Local Churches and Faith Organizations:

St. Vincent de Paul
Catholic Charities
Salvation Army
Many provide emergency assistance regardless of faith

Key Steps to Take This Week

Day 1: Call VA Medical Center

Schedule primary care appointment
Ask about Agent Orange screening
Request benefits counselor meeting

Day 2: Contact Veterans Service Organization

File or update disability claims
Apply for Aid and Attendance if you need daily help
Get help with paperwork

Day 3: Apply for Additional Benefits

Medi-Cal (if income eligible)
SNAP food benefits
Medicare Extra Help

Day 4: Connect with Senior Services

Call Serving Seniors for local programs
Register for senior nutrition program
Ask about transportation services

Important Documents to Gather

DD-214 (discharge papers) - VA can help obtain if lost
Medicare card
Social Security card
Medical records from current doctors
Financial statements (for benefit applications)

Red Flags to Avoid

Anyone charging fees for VA benefit help (should be free)
High-pressure sales for VA aid and attendance
Scams targeting veterans' benefits
Anyone asking for your benefits to be direct-deposited to their account

Special Vietnam Veteran Resources

Vietnam Veterans of America 📞 Call: (619) 231-0781

Peer support from fellow Vietnam veterans
Benefits advocacy
Community outreach

Point Man Ministries 📞 Call: (619) 440-2823

Christian-based support for Vietnam veterans
PTSD support groups
Family counseling

24/7 Emergency Contacts

Medical Emergency: 911
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1
Adult Protective Services: (858) 560-2191
Information and Referrals: 211

Remember: Your Vietnam service was during a difficult time, and many health issues affecting veterans weren't understood then. Don't assume your current health problems aren't related to your service - Agent Orange exposure and other factors can cause conditions that appear decades later. You've earned these benefits through your service, and it's never too late to apply for the help you deserve.

Most Important: Start with the VA Medical Center. Even if you've been told "no" before, rules change, and Vietnam veterans often qualify for more than they realize, especially as health conditions develop with age.

Homless Shelter Business in San Diego

City-County Budget Tensions Threaten San Diego Homeless Shelter Operations

Rosecrans Facility Faces Closure as Officials Struggle With Jurisdictional Responsibilities and Financial Constraints

Nine homeless shelters in San Diego have suspended new admissions amid an escalating funding dispute between the city and county, highlighting the complex jurisdictional challenges both government entities face while managing severe budget deficits.

The most prominent case involves the 150-bed Rosecrans Shelter in the Midway District, a tent facility that serves individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues. The shelter, operated by Alpha Project for the Homeless, has become the focal point of disagreements over financial responsibility between San Diego's city and county governments.

The Financial Landscape

Both the city of San Diego and San Diego County are confronting significant budget shortfalls that have intensified the dispute. The city faces a projected $258 million deficit for fiscal year 2026, while the county is dealing with a $138.5 million shortfall that officials project could grow to $321.8 million by 2029-30.

Mayor Todd Gloria's proposed budget excludes the city's $4 million annual contribution to the Rosecrans Shelter. City officials cite concerns about a planned county demolition project that will disrupt utilities and potentially create unsafe conditions at the neighboring site.

The county has allocated $800,000 toward new utilities for the shelter but estimates the full infrastructure replacement could cost up to $2 million. County officials argue they are already exceeding their traditional responsibilities through the current partnership arrangement.

Jurisdictional Complexities

The dispute illustrates the complex division of responsibilities between California cities and counties in addressing homelessness. Cities typically operate shelter facilities, while counties provide behavioral health services, mental health treatment, and substance abuse programs.

"Cities don't have behavioral health departments, or funding for those services," notes a recent CalMatters analysis of similar disputes statewide. "So when residents of city homeless shelters need mental health or addiction treatment, which they often do, that falls on the county."

The Rosecrans Shelter was established in 2022 as a model partnership, with the city contracting Alpha Project to manage operations while the county provided land, utilities, and clinical staff including mental health professionals and substance abuse counselors.

"It was highlighted as such an important model bringing the City, the County and private philanthropy together," said Sofia Cardenas of Alpha Project.

The Demolition Catalyst

The immediate trigger for the funding dispute involves the county's plan to demolish the Health Services Complex building adjacent to the shelter. The 150,000-square-foot structure, built in the 1950s, has significant structural damage including roof collapse and requires ongoing air conditioning costs of $600,000-$700,000 annually to prevent mold growth.

County officials say the demolition, scheduled to begin in March 2026, was disclosed before the original 2022 agreement and is necessary for expanding the county psychiatric hospital. The project is expected to take six to eight months and will require rerouting utilities currently serving the shelter.

City officials contend the demolition will create intolerable conditions for shelter residents through noise, dust, and disruption. County representatives dispute this characterization, with Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer's spokesperson stating the shelter can remain operational during construction.

Regional Homelessness Context

The dispute occurs against the backdrop of a homeless population that, while recently declining, remains substantial. The 2025 Point-in-Time Count found approximately 9,900 people experiencing homelessness countywide, a 7% decrease from the previous year. However, demand for shelter consistently exceeds capacity, with only about 10% of shelter requests being fulfilled during recent months.

San Diego has invested heavily in homeless services, receiving state and federal funding including $1 billion from California's Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program. The city operates multiple shelter facilities through the San Diego Housing Commission, providing emergency beds, transitional housing, and supportive services.

Broader Implications

The Rosecrans dispute reflects challenges facing many California communities where city-county partnerships are essential for addressing homelessness but can become strained during budget constraints.

"There is no mandate from the state that lays out how much of the responsibility should fall to a city and how much should fall to a county," according to recent CalMatters reporting. "Especially in tight budget years such as this one, cities don't want to pay for services they could pass on to the county – and vice versa."

Similar disputes have emerged elsewhere in California, including conflicts in Los Angeles County and the San Joaquin Valley, where jurisdictional disagreements have disrupted homeless services.

Current Status and Next Steps

The San Diego City Council must decide on the shelter's future before the current agreement expires in July. Several council members have expressed concern about the county's $800,000 contribution, calling it insufficient for the estimated infrastructure needs.

Alpha Project CEO Bob McElroy warned that the uncertainty has already begun affecting staff retention and client confidence. Two employees recently left for other positions, and the organization has suspended new admissions to 14 beds at Rosecrans while eight other city-funded programs have also halted intakes.

"These clients trusted us, maybe for the first time," McElroy said. "The tragic thing about this whole thing is: It's the first true partnership between the city and county."

County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer has proposed using federal COVID recovery funds and seeking philanthropic support to bridge the funding gap. The county board unanimously approved the $800,000 allocation, citing the facility's importance to regional homeless services.

Both entities face pressure to resolve the dispute while managing their respective budget constraints and maintaining services for vulnerable populations. The outcome will likely influence future city-county collaborations on homelessness initiatives throughout the region.

San Diego Homeless Services Ecosystem interactive

The San Diego Homeless Services Ecosystem: A Complex Web of Public and Private Entities

San Diego's response to homelessness involves a intricate network of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations that collectively form what critics sometimes call the "homeless industrial complex." This ecosystem represents hundreds of millions of dollars in annual funding and employs thousands of people across dozens of organizations.

The Government Foundation

San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) serves as the primary operational arm for the city's homeless services. Established in 1979 and governed by a seven-member board appointed by the mayor, SDHC administers over $100 million annually in homeless programming. The commission operates under dual authority: the San Diego City Council sits as the Housing Authority, while commissioners oversee day-to-day operations and make recommendations on policy.

SDHC's funding comes from multiple sources: federal HUD grants, state programs like the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program, city general funds, and federal Section 8 housing vouchers. The commission has faced recent tensions with Mayor Todd Gloria's administration over budget cuts that would reduce homeless funding by $20-24 million.

Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) operates as the federally designated Continuum of Care coordinator for San Diego County. This nonprofit organization manages data collection, coordinates the annual Point-in-Time Count, and distributes federal homeless assistance grants. CEO Tamera Kohler leads an organization that maintains the Homeless Management Information System and acts as the data clearinghouse for the region.

RTFH has faced criticism from the San Diego County Taxpayers Association for restricting data access, with the watchdog group claiming it was forced to destroy research data due to privacy concerns. The organization defended its practices, citing federal privacy requirements for homeless individuals.

Major Service Providers

Father Joe's Villages stands as San Diego's largest homeless service provider, housing over 2,500 people nightly across multiple facilities. Founded by the late Father Joe Carroll, the organization operates through two tax-exempt entities: St. Vincent de Paul Village, Inc. and S.V.D.P. Management, Inc., with a combined annual budget exceeding $40 million by 2011.

Led by President and CEO Deacon Jim Vargas, Father Joe's Villages maintains extensive programs including emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, healthcare through its federally qualified health center, job training, and child development services. The organization recently announced plans to create 2,000 affordable housing units through its "Turning the Key" initiative, using both public funding and private contributions.

Alpha Project for the Homeless, led by CEO Bob McElroy, operates multiple shelters and programs throughout the county. With over 40 years of experience, McElroy's organization runs the troubled Rosecrans Shelter at the center of the current city-county dispute, as well as family shelters, harm reduction programs, and the largest bridge shelter network in the city.

Specialized Service Organizations

People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) provides services at the city's Homelessness Response Center and operates various outreach and housing programs. The San Diego LGBT Community Center runs the SafeSTAY Wellness Center, providing culturally competent services for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness.

Urban Street Angels, founded in 2012, focuses specifically on transition-age youth (18-25) and operates supportive housing programs along with social enterprise employment opportunities. San Diego Rescue Mission, operating since 1955, provides emergency housing and recovery services with a faith-based approach.

Interfaith Community Services and other faith-based organizations coordinate services across multiple congregations and denominations, while Veterans Village of San Diego specializes in veteran-specific programming.

The Private Foundation Layer

Lucky Duck Foundation represents a significant philanthropic force in San Diego's homeless services landscape. Founded by successful entrepreneurs, the foundation has committed to matching donations up to $1.5 million annually and has funded bridge shelters, employment programs, and research initiatives. The foundation hosts annual symposiums bringing together stakeholders and has partnered with organizations like Tower Roasting Co. to create social enterprises.

The foundation's approach emphasizes "sound business principles" and data-driven programming, positioning itself as applying private sector efficiency to homeless services. Lucky Duck has funded multiple research studies in partnership with local universities and advocates for evidence-based best practices.

Funding Flows and Financial Relationships

The financial relationships within this ecosystem are complex and interconnected. The San Diego Housing Commission serves as the primary conduit for federal and state funding, distributing millions through contracts with nonprofit service providers. Federal funding sources include HUD Continuum of Care grants, Section 8 vouchers, and Emergency Solutions Grants.

State funding primarily flows through California's Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program, which required regional coordination between cities, counties, and Continuums of Care. The most recent round provided $1 billion statewide, with San Diego County receiving a significant allocation.

Local funding comes from city general funds, county behavioral health allocations, and fees charged to developers through affordable housing requirements. Private philanthropy adds another layer, with foundations like Lucky Duck, Wells Fargo Foundation, and corporate sponsors providing millions in additional support.

Coordination Challenges

This multi-layered system creates both opportunities and challenges. The Regional Task Force on Homelessness coordinates services through its Coordinated Entry System, which theoretically matches individuals with appropriate housing and services based on vulnerability assessments.

However, the current funding dispute over the Rosecrans Shelter illustrates how jurisdictional complexity can disrupt services. With the city responsible for shelter operations, county providing behavioral health services, and nonprofits delivering programs, disagreements over roles and responsibilities can leave vulnerable populations without services.

Industry Dynamics

Critics argue this ecosystem has developed characteristics of an "industrial complex," where organizational survival can sometimes compete with mission effectiveness. With hundreds of jobs and millions in funding at stake, organizations may have incentives to maintain rather than solve the problem of homelessness.

Defenders counter that the complex nature of homelessness—involving mental health, substance abuse, housing affordability, and employment challenges—requires a diverse array of specialized services and providers. They point to recent improvements in veteran homelessness and family homelessness as evidence the system can produce results.

The annual Point-in-Time Count serves as both a measurement tool and a funding mechanism, with federal and state allocations partially based on these numbers. This creates pressure for accurate counting while also establishing a baseline that influences organizational funding and planning.

The ecosystem continues evolving as new challenges emerge, from budget constraints to changing federal policies. The current city-county dispute over the Rosecrans Shelter represents a microcosm of broader tensions over responsibility, funding, and effectiveness within San Diego's complex network of homeless services.

Sources:

San Diego Housing Commission Budget & Financial Reports, SDHC.org
Regional Task Force on Homelessness, RTFHSD.org
Father Joe's Villages Annual Reports and IRS Forms 990
Lucky Duck Foundation, LuckyDuckFoundation.org
San Diego independent budget analyst reports on Housing Commission budget cuts, Fox 5 San Diego, May 2024
"Taxpayer watchdog says homeless task force asked it to destroy data," ABC 10News, July 2024

Source References

Nelson, Blake. 9 San Diego homeless shelters stop taking new people amid funding dispute – San Diego Union-Tribune May 2025.
"San Diego 2025: A budget shortfall could stymie city's homeless response." InewsSource, January 2, 2025. https://inewsource.org/2025/01/02/san-diego-homeless-shelter-tent-todd-gloria/
"Proposed City of San Diego budget could include funding reduction for homeless shelter." ABC 10News, April 18, 2025. https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/proposed-city-of-san-diego-budget-could-include-funding-reduction-for-homeless-shelter
"Midway Shelter Caught in City, County Funding Dispute." Voice of San Diego, April 16, 2025. https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/04/15/midway-shelter-caught-in-city-county-funding-dispute/
"What the implosion of LA homeless agency reveals about California city-county partnerships." CalMatters, May 2025. https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2025/05/la-homeless-agency/
"A 'shocking situation:' San Diego may stop funding homeless shelter with mental health services." San Diego Union-Tribune, April 18, 2025. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/04/15/a-shocking-situation-san-diego-may-stop-funding-homeless-shelter-with-mental-health-services/
"San Diego County faces $138.5 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2025-26." CBS 8, 2025. https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/san-diego-county-faces-138-million-budget-deficit-for-2025/509-2449c4fe-f245-4c52-876d-7593b553c265
"San Diego County proposes balanced budget, erasing a $138 million shortfall." Axios San Diego, May 5, 2025. https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2025/05/05/san-diego-county-budget-deficit-2025
"Homeless decline in San Diego by 14% | 2025 Point-In-Time Count." CBS 8, 2025. https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/homeless-drop-in-san-diego-2025-point-in-time-count/509-5de7ffbf-37b7-4098-b27e-43a84379f345
"San Diego's Chief Operating Officer projects 171.9 million deficit for city in 2025 fiscal year." CBS 8, 2024. https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/san-diego-city-budget-2024/509-36213f95-faf3-4e72-a6ce-46522677322a
"Homelessness in San Diego is going down, annual point-in-time count shows." KPBS Public Media, May 2025. https://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpbs-midday-edition/homelessness-in-san-diego-is-going-down-annual-point-in-time-count-shows
"City of San Diego's Homeless Shelters and Services Program." San Diego Housing Commission, October 17, 2022. https://sdhc.org/homelessness-solutions/city-homeless-shelters-services/
Ecosystem Sources
Here are the sources used for the San Diego Homeless Services Ecosystem sidebar and bubble chart:

Government Entities

San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC)
Official SDHC Website: https://sdhc.org/
SDHC Budget & Financial Reports: https://sdhc.org/about-us/budget-finance/
SDHC Governance & Legislative Affairs: https://sdhc.org/governance-legislative-affairs/
SDHC Homeless Shelters and Services Program: https://sdhc.org/homelessness-solutions/city-homeless-shelters-services/
Housing First – San Diego Program: https://sdhc.org/homelessness-solutions/housing-first-san-diego/

Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH)

RTFH Official Website: https://www.rtfhsd.org/
RTFH Reports & Data: https://www.rtfhsd.org/reports-data/

City and County Budget Information

San Diego Mayor proposes $20 million less for homeless programming, CBS 8: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/investigations/san-diego-homeless-service-funding/509-64a28c97-3397-48ac-b0e6-45e92c3ce243
San Diego independent budget analyst releases report on Housing Commission budget cuts, Fox 5: https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/housing-commission-mayor-in-conflict-over-23m-cut-to-homeless-services/amp/
San Diego County Budget 2025-27: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/openbudget/en/budget-summary.html

Major Service Providers

Father Joe's Villages

Official Website: https://my.neighbor.org/
Leadership Team Bios: https://my.neighbor.org/leadership-bios/
About Father Joe's Villages: https://my.neighbor.org/about-us/
Financial Reports and IRS Forms: https://my.neighbor.org/about-us/financials/
Father Joe's Villages GuideStar Profile: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/33-0492302
Wikipedia - Joe Carroll (priest): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Carroll_(priest)

Alpha Project for the Homeless

Official Website: https://alphaproject.org/

People Assisting the Homeless (PATH)

City of San Diego Homelessness Response Center: https://www.sandiego.gov/homelessness-strategies-and-solutions/services/homelessness-response-center

Specialized Service Organizations

San Diego LGBT Community Center

Referenced in SDHC program listings: https://sdhc.org/homelessness-solutions/city-homeless-shelters-services/

Urban Street Angels

San Diego Nonprofits Directory: https://www.sandiegononprofits.net/homeless

Veterans Village of San Diego

Referenced in SDHC program listings: https://sdhc.org/homelessness-solutions/city-homeless-shelters-services/

San Diego Rescue Mission

Official Website: https://www.sdrescue.org/

Private Philanthropy

Lucky Duck Foundation

Official Website: https://www.luckyduckfoundation.org/

Wells Fargo Foundation

SDHC First-Time Homebuyer Programs: https://sdhc.org/housing-opportunities/first-time-homebuyers/

Faith-Based Organizations

Interfaith Community Services

San Diego Nonprofits Directory: https://www.sandiegononprofits.net/homeless

Healthcare and Mental Health

Village Health Center

Father Joe's Villages Leadership page: https://my.neighbor.org/leadership-bios/

Mental Health Systems

SDHC program listings: https://sdhc.org/homelessness-solutions/city-homeless-shelters-services/

Additional Research and Context

Homeless Population Data

2025 Point-in-Time Count results, CBS 8: https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/homeless-drop-in-san-diego-2025-point-in-time-count/509-5de7ffbf-37b7-4098-b27e-43a84379f345
KPBS Homelessness coverage: https://www.kpbs.org/podcasts/kpbs-midday-edition/homelessness-in-san-diego-is-going-down-annual-point-in-time-count-shows

Broader Context

CalMatters analysis of California homelessness: https://calmatters.org/housing/homelessness/2025/05/la-homeless-agency/
Taxpayer watchdog data dispute, ABC 10News: https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/taxpayer-watchdog-says-homeless-task-force-asked-it-to-destroy-data

Federal and State Funding

Congressman Scott Peters Housing & Homelessness page: https://scottpeters.house.gov/housing-homelessness
California State Association of Counties homeless funding: https://www.counties.org/csac-bulletin-article/final-budget-agreement-includes-homelessness-funding

Grant and Funding Information

GrantWatch California Homeless Grants: https://california.grantwatch.com/cat/18/homeless-grants.html
SDHC Affordable Housing Funding: https://sdhc.org/doing-business-with-us/developers/available-funding/

These sources provide comprehensive information about organizational structures, funding amounts, program details, governance relationships, and the complex interconnections within San Diego's homeless services ecosystem.