To address the persisting homelessness crisis in San Diego County, the San Diego Rescue Mission, alongside city leaders and the San Diego Padres representatives, inaugurated the first permanent homeless emergency shelter in National City, called the South County Lighthouse. Open 365 days a year, this facility offers 162 beds for men, women, and families facing the hardships of homelessness. Guests referred to the Lighthouse will have access to basic living necessities including beds, hot meals, and clothing, as well as crucial services like showers, laundry, and wrap-around care aimed at aiding their journey to stability.
According to the Times of San Diego, Donnie Dee, president and CEO of the San Diego Rescue Mission, described the new shelter as "a beacon of hope" and emphasized that the facility stands as a pivotal element in the expanding network aimed at transforming the state of homelessness in the region, serving "one life at a time." Built on an eight-acre lot on Euclid Avenue, the South County Lighthouse was made possible through private funding. Weekly case management sessions will be available to the shelter's guests, supporting them in finding rehabilitation services and stable housing options.
Further underscoring the San Diego Rescue Mission's dedication to long-term solutions, the nonprofit revealed in 2023, it assisted 1,433 individuals in leaving the streets, with 314 people ending their homelessness permanently, alongside celebrating 127 graduates from its Mission Academy Residential Program. These figures demonstrate a tangible impact on the lives of those struggling with homelessness and the efficacy of the comprehensive support provided.
"San Diego needs more emergency shelters like the South County Lighthouse where guests' immediate needs like food and shelter are met and they are provided with their first step toward ending their homelessness for good", said Tom Seidler, the Padres Foundation president, as published by the Times of San Diego. Seidler emphasized the long-standing commitment of the Padres players and office to support the mission's initiatives. Access for potential residents is coordinated through referrals, with direct contact available via the National City Police Homeless Outreach Team for those seeking shelter at the South County Lighthouse.
The San Diego Rescue Mission outlines baseline requirements for residents and reassures that pets are also welcome, reinforcing the shelter's policy of inclusiveness. Emphasizing the shelter’s approach to assisting individuals in need, the San Diego Rescue Mission stands firm in its message that every life is of value, offering support for those who need a respite from life to focus on wellness.
