Interfaith Shelter Network of San Diego

Our Mission

Interfaith Shelter Network’s mission is to enable those we serve to move toward self-sufficiency by coordinating the efforts of participating congregations, social service agencies, and governmental programs in order to provide shelter and other resources to homeless individuals and families in the San Diego region.

Help Us Raise Funds for Childcare Expenses for the El Nido Families

Childcare costs take a bite out of any family’s income, and many low-income El Nido families have more than one child. Families may be eligible for childcare assistance that has not yet become active, leaving mothers with months of payments to make. ISN helps relieve the burden of uncovered childcare costs while the mothers take the necessary steps to become able to support their children and themselves.

Creating A New and Healthier Life

Arianna was in an abusive marriage of 15 years. When the abuse escalated to include their two daughters, she knew it was time to end the marriage. The police arrested her husband and she began divorce proceedings, but could not meet the rent in their apartment, and soon became homeless.  

The Chula Vista Community Collaborative helped her to apply to ISN’s El Nido program. Once there, she and her daughters Emmily (17 years) and Emmy (8 years) began to flourish. Emmily’s grades went back up and little Emmy returned to the services required to address her special needs as a deaf, hyperactive, and learning-delayed child. 

The small family has conquered many challenges and achieved much since entering El Nido. Arianna and Emmily received therapy and Arianna enrolled in adult ESL classes to improve her English. She was awarded SSI for Emmy and got her driver's license. Emmily has graduated high school and plans to attend community college this Fall and hopes to become a social worker. 

Arianna spoke as an El Nido graduate during an event at ISN just last month. She had even more impressive progress to report.

“Now I am independent renting my own unit. With what I saved at El Nido I purchased my own vehicle. I obtained my divorce papers in which I have full legal and physical custody of my girls. I finally did it after waiting two years, I received my work permit, but this Monday I have an interview with the Immigration office to be possibly approved for my permanent residence.  I plan to work as a home care provider. I don’t have words to thank everyone who makes El Nido possible. Who supported me and gave me the opportunity of a better life for my daughters Thank you all for this opportunity to pursue a safe and happy future.” 

You Can Go Home Again

When California native Areial L. moved back to San Diego with her eleven-year-old son, Bryce, after a three-year absence, she found that it isn’t easy to move back to California after moving out of state, even if you have family here.

A skilled quality-control worker, Areial found work within a week of arrival but could not find affordable housing. Even after agreeing to share a place with her brother and his girlfriend, the family group struggled to find housing.  

Areial came into ISN’s Rotational Shelter Program late in 2022 after living in her car for several months. By then, she was working two jobs and had enrolled her son in before and after-school programs to keep him safe.

“I don’t know what we would have done without ISN. We couldn’t have kept living in my car all that time. The program was a lifesaver for us.” Areial says.

When a place close to her son’s school opened up, they were the first to call. Their application was aided by a check from ISN’s Housing Program to cover the deposit. When the property manager refused the check, ISN’s Rotational Shelter Program staff called and expressed ISN’s confidence in the renters. 

Our support plus knowing that ISN staff provides follow-up case management for our clients, caused the application to be accepted. More than a year later the family is happily settled with no expectations of moving again in the foreseeable future.  

“I just needed that little bit of support at that time. When they said they would give me shelter and help me find a place to live, I thought it was too good to be true. But then, they did it!"