Monetary Donations

Giving money to a homeless person on the street can feel liked an emotional tug-of-war. You want to immediately alleviate their needs but you are also worried of perpetuating a painful cycle.

While panhandling is not illegal, giving them cash isn’t recommended as it doesn’t encourage long-term relief or connection to services that can set individuals up for permanent housing and other solutions. Instead, donate to a local service provider. Your generous gift will provide access to vital resources to help homeless individuals get back on their feet.

If you’d like to give directly to a homeless person, consider the following alternatives to cash donations. Ask what they need right now, such as personal care items or food, and see if you can immediately provide that.

Here are a few organizations that accept donations for homeless programs:

  • Crisis House
    Housing support for people challenged with homelessness.
    • 9550 Cuyamaca St Suite 101, Santee, CA 92071
    • (619)-444-1194
  • Interfaith Shelter Network

  • Salvation Army - East County Division                                                 
    • 1011 E. Main St., El Cajon, CA 92020                 
    • (619) 440-4683

  • San Diego Food Bank
    • (866) 350-FOOD (toll free call)                                                                                                      

Volunteer

Giving of your time is just as valuable as giving money. Below are a few ways to explore donating your time to help address this cause.

  • One way to give back is to volunteer for the Annual homeless Count in San Diego County. Click here to visit We All Count.
  • The East County Homeless Task Force is accepting volunteers here.
  • HomeStart, Inc., one of the City's contracted organizations that connects those experiencing homelessness with shelter, offers volunteer opportunities. View their FLYER for more information.

volunteer pic