Today marks a major victory for our veterans and our region. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a measure brought forward by Supervisor Jim Desmond to continue and expand the County’s efforts to end veteran homelessness.
“Our veterans have made sacrifice after sacrifice for this country—they shouldn’t be living on the streets,” said Supervisor Desmond. “Today’s action is a critical step to honor their service by ensuring they have a roof over their heads.”
In 2023, the County launched the “Leave No Veteran Homeless” campaign, successfully housing more than 1,200 homeless veterans. While the campaign formally concluded in Fall 2024, an estimated 1,000 veterans remain unhoused across San Diego County. Supervisor Desmond’s measure seeks to sustain and build on that momentum, ensuring no veteran is left behind.
Key Elements of the Initiative:
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Landlord Outreach Campaign: Continued outreach through a proven social media effort to recruit property owners to participate in the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program.
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Landlord Assurance Fund: Ongoing funding for a landlord assurance fund to cover damages exceeding security deposits—removing a key barrier that keeps landlords from renting to veterans with vouchers.
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Veteran By-Name List: Leveraging a comprehensive list developed with the Regional Task Force on Homelessness to connect every unhoused veteran to housing and services.
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Regional Collaboration: Working with cities and agencies across the region to coordinate efforts and resources.
“The County’s social media campaign played a pivotal role in recruiting landlords in the past,” Desmond noted. “With ongoing funding, we can continue educating landlords and increase participation in the VASH program—ensuring our veterans aren’t left behind.”
Under the VASH program, veterans pay a portion of rent based on their income, with the voucher covering the rest—guaranteeing landlords fair market rates. Yet many landlords hesitate to participate without protection from potential damages. By securing ongoing funding for the landlord assurance fund, the County removes one of the main barriers to landlord participation.
“We owe it to our veterans to keep this work going,” said Desmond. “They put their lives on the line to protect and serve our country. Now it’s our turn to take action.”
With today’s unanimous vote, the County is committed to securing ongoing funding and developing a comprehensive strategy in partnership with local and regional agencies to finish the mission of ending veteran homelessness in San Diego County.
No veteran should be left behind. This vote brings us one step closer to making that promise a reality.