SAN DIEGO — There's a new push to provide housing in San Diego for those who have served in the military.
“Once somebody moves here and they get out, they probably want to stay here in San Diego, it's a nice place but it's also adding to our increased numbers,” Adjoin Veterans Director Dr. Dustin Potash said.
The current homelessness crisis has hit veterans especially hard with many service members struggling to navigate the transition to civilian life. Dr. Potash knows what it's like to be homeless, that's why he's made it his mission to help others experiencing the same situation he was once in.
“I didn't know how hard it would be to transition from the military life to civilian life which is a huge thing we hear from veterans that come through our doors, it happened to me as well,” Dr. Potash said.
Dr. Potash is the veterans director for ''Adjoin,'' which helps veterans find permanent housing. With the help of a grant (SSVF) from the Department of Veterans Affairs, they've been able to secure housing for unsheltered veterans. In 2023, they helped more than 400 veterans and their families throughout their services.
“A lot of our veterans, they have barriers, they have things in their past that they are trying to overcome whether ptsd, addictions, substance abuse but we believe permanent housing first so they can address those issues,” Dr. Potash said.
The housing first approach is what the Department of Veterans Affairs is working on to make sure our local veterans have a secure roof over their head. They've set a goal to house 851 unsheltered veterans in San Diego throughout 2024. The VA is working with landlords to provide vouchers for permanent housing.
“We apply for the unit with the voucher and then the case manager then works with the veteran on things to maintain that housing stability," Veterans Affairs San Diego VA Supportive Housing Program Supervisor Jonathan Flood said.
By the end of January, about 318 veterans in San Diego were housed, its progress the VA hopes to keep to reach their goal.
“They've put their life on the line at some point in their lives and we must pay all the respect to that," Dr. Potash said.
For more information on how to enroll for permanent housing, visit va.gov/homeless
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