Our staff member Will retired from the Navy at the rank of Chief Petty Officer after 22 years of service. During his Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) application process, he asked to be placed in any position that would allow him to help veterans. He ended up in the...
Lead Case Manager Talks About Homelessness Stigma
We asked Melissa, Lead Case Manager at our Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD) Temporary Bridge Shelter, what she wants people to know about our veterans. She had this to say: "At the end of the day, they are people. I think a lot of times, the homeless, there's a...
USMC Veteran Goes From Shelter to College
USMC veteran James D. spent six months at our Temporary Bridge Shelter before coming into our Bridge Transitional Housing program. Right now, he is living in a VVSD apartment while he gets his affairs in order. He just enrolled in college and accessed his VASH benefits and is currently working...
Army Veteran Clay Working on Finding Housing
"Since being with the Bridge program, I've been able to take my time in finding housing and get myself on track for school" - Army veteran Clay. Clay previously went through our Veterans Rehabilitation Center (VRC) program, which he says helped him learn to love himself. Now, Clay has moved...
From Rehab Patient to Case Manager
VVSD alum Michael M. graduated our program in 2000 and went on to get his Bachelor's and Master's degrees. He then came back to become a case manager at VVSD and now works in the federal government helping veterans. Michael says, "My story isn't really a miracle. I just did...
Greg – VVSD’s Community Garden Tender
"The garden has really helped keep me sober." Greg has tended our community garden at VVSD for years. He has planted cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, and more. He has been sober for over a year now thanks to the garden. The day we filmed this, Greg accepted a job...
Vet Employment Program
If you are a veteran in need of employment and training assistance, you have come to the right place. Our Employment Advisors will provide you with individual attention and guidance throughout your job search. Over the past three decades, VVSD has developed an extensive network of businesses, employment agencies and...
60 Minutes Stand Down
60 Minutes Stand Down segment from October 17, 2010 Stand Down started in 1988 and was the first ever Stand Down for homeless vets. There are now over 200 nationwide. Four 60 Minutes crews spent five days taping the 2010 Stand Down, which aired on October 17, 2010, and again...