Two San Diego County organizations that focus on providing resources to homeless citizens have partnered together to expand their efforts to San Diego's North County.
The San Diego Rescue Mission has partnered with Bread of Life Rescue Mission, a staple in the Oceanside community, to address the needs of those experiencing homelessness in the North County.
“The idea is if we can align ourselves with other organizations that are doing the same thing that we’re doing, with the same approach then we get bigger and stronger as a strategy and ultimately get people off the streets faster,” explained Donnie Dee, CEO of San Diego Rescue Mission.
There are more than 60 volunteers and staff members who make this effort possible each week in Oceanside.
At the Bread of Life location, there are many support services for those looking for help. A kitchen allows volunteers to cook and distribute hot meals. Volunteers utilize a computer lab to help create resumes for the unemployed. The organization also provides life skills classes.
A food bank, with items provided by Feeding San Diego and the San Diego Food Bank, distributes boxes of food are throughout the week to anyone who needs it.
“What we’ve realized is that we don’t really have a homeless issue, we have a hopeless issue," explained Tim Yzaguirre, Executive Director with Bread of Life Rescue. "We have people who have just quit and given up. Until we become their friend and they build trust in us, we can’t get to the heart of the matter, we can’t really understand what’s gotten them to where they’re at. Each person has a different story and we can’t put them in a box. It does take time."
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For more information on services provided and food pick-up days and times, visit here.
