

A Benefits Guide: Veteran service representatives can help navigate the VA system
by Anne Stokes The VA provides benefits that help millions of veterans and their families, but navigating the federal bureaucracy can be daunting. At the San Diego Office of Military & Veterans Affairs, experienced veterans […]

A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out: A Q&A with OMVA Liaison Ray Flores
by Anne Stokes After serving 21 years in the U.S. Navy, Ray Flores “retired” to civilian life. Today, he’s again serving his fellow veterans through the San Diego County Office of Military & Veterans Affairs […]

From Service to Shelter: San Diego program is empowering homeless vets to build new lives
by Gail Allyn Short Though they fought in wars and helped keep peace around the world, after their service ends, some military veterans return home to find themselves in another battle: homelessness. The reasons for […]

A PATH Home: This local nonprofit helps veterans find housing and stabilize their lives
by Melanie Anderson For veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, PATH San Diego provides a lifeline in the form of housing assistance. In addition, the nonprofit helps veterans and families create […]

A Table to Sit Around: A San Diego task force unites community members to reduce veteran homelessness
by Raul Clement Tackling a complex problem like homelessness requires research, organization and planning. This is where an organization like the Regional Task Force on Homelessness can help. “We’re sort of the table everyone in […]

Mobile Support: The OMVA is finding new ways to bring services to vets
by Elissa Einhorn Nine years ago, Tim Mathues’ supervisor asked him to develop outreach programs for San Diego County’s veterans. When he asked what the role entailed, he was told, “We have no job description.” […]

‘Functional Zero’: A San Diego organization works to ensure all veterans have a home
by Matt Jocks Veterans Village of San Diego is there to assist the large military population of the region. Sometimes, the help goes both ways. Akilah Templeton, CEO of VVSD, faces the same worries many […]

One Facility’s All-Hands Approach: The Aspire Center is doing things differently when it comes to treating vets with PTSD, depression and anxiety
by Krysta Scripter I’m not aware of another one in the nation like it,” says Dr. Carl Rimmele, Ph.D., Aspire Center director. Dr. Rimmele is a psychologist who’s worked with Veterans Affairs for more than […]

Health Care and Beyond: The VA assists homeless veterans with health care, employment and more
by Melanie Anderson When people think of the VA, health care typically comes to mind. For veterans who are homeless or at risk for homelessness, reaching out to the VA can unlock a variety of […]

“You Deserve This”: Veterans Affairs encourages veterans to seek out benefits
by Raul Clement For decades, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has offered a robust network of benefits to military veterans. These range from disability compensation for veterans wounded in service, free education for veterans […]