THEMOUNTAINMODEL:
WE SEE YOU SAN DIEGO’S RELATIONSHIP-FIRST, COMPREHENSIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS & ADDICTION
We set out to create a visual model to describe & explain what WSY offers to those experiencing chronic homelessness & addiction. Immediately we agreed that the model needed to show the nature of “a journey” or “a path.” The life transformation we see is never instantaneous, it is born over time through numerous steps. We decided that a picture of a road, even a long road, did not fully capture the essence of the journey to life transformation. The most accurate image was a mountain: a tall, steep, intimidating mountain.
As we began to build the visual model with all the obstacles, landmarks, & fall risks, it became clear that the role of WSY in helping someone climb the mountain is radically similar to that of a sherpa. While a “Sherpa” is an ethnic group native to the Himalayan region, the term sherpa has evolved to describe a specific role, critical to the success of climbers seeking to summit Mt. Everest.
A sherpa climbs beside the climber on every climb. They are a source of advice and a helping hand. They serve meals and carry loads, provide backup (by literally following just behind the climber on summit day with extra oxygen), and ensure that the climber does not get lost along the way. They are often described as the backbone of the expedition, without which, most climbers would not be able to get up the mountain.
WSY helps to create the path up the mountain to provide literal & figurative shelter along the way. The encouragement, friendship, wise counsel, physical, mental & emotional support that WSY provides are critical resources to life transformation. One requirement of a sherpa is to not grow weary. WSY embodies this requirement in numerous ways, always showing up, remaining steadfast in love even in the face of seemingly hopeless situations.
THEMOUNTAINMODEL:
WE SEE YOU SAN DIEGO’S RELATIONSHIP-FIRST, COMPREHENSIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS &
ADDICTION
THEMOUNTAINMODEL:
WE SEE YOU SAN DIEGO’S RELATIONSHIP-FIRST, COMPREHENSIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS & ADDICTION
PHASE1: BREAKINGDOWN THEBARRIERS
SHAME
MISTRUST
HOPELESSNESS
FEAR
The individuals We See You serves have experienced profound trauma and neglect. Through consistency and love, we build trusting relationships that break down barriers, or “boulders” of hopelessness, fear, shame, and mistrust.
Each week, WSY hosts a lavish dinner party for people living on the streets of San Diego. Our guests are welcomed and seated with the care of a finedining experience, where they enjoy home-cooked meals, live music, raffle prizes, birthday celebrations, and decadent desserts. Every detail is intentionally designed to instill dignity and show respect. In the midst of the evening, we extend an invitation to recovery and freedom for those struggling with addiction.
At our weekly gathering, we serve anyone in need of food, clothing, hygiene supplies, or simply a safe place to rest to be seen and loved. Our guests come from a variety of living situations, including low-income housing, personal vehicles, shelters, and the streets.
Beyond the dinner party, our dedicated outreach team connects with individuals living in encampments, shelters, and at the city’s safe sleeping site (The O Lot). We also hold office hours at various resource centers to provide direct support to people experiencing homelessness. Our team arrives with coffee, donuts, and lunch, along with socks and hygiene supplies, to meet immediate needs. These simple acts of care open the door for meaningful conversations which can lead to long-term solutions, including a personalized pathway out of homelessness through addiction recovery and support. Through these weekly outreaches, we build trust, offering a “bridge” to life-saving help. By showing up consistently, week after week, we gently chip away at the “boulders” of isolation and hostility, paving the way for lasting transformation.
THEMOUNTAINMODEL:
WE SEE YOU SAN DIEGO’S RELATIONSHIP-FIRST, COMPREHENSIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS &
ADDICTION
THEMOUNTAINMODEL:
WE SEE YOU SAN DIEGO’S RELATIONSHIP-FIRST, COMPREHENSIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS &
PHASE2: ACCEPTINGTHE INVITATION
BUILDTRUSTING RELATIONSHIPS
PHASE2:ACCEPTINGTHEINVITATION
Saying “YES” to We See You’s invitation is a powerful step toward hope and transformation. It means trusting our team to guide the journey and embracing the possibility of real, lasting change.
For many, the fear of vulnerability, hoping, trusting, and stepping into a new life keeps them trapped in addiction and homelessness. But We See You was built through deep relationships with those facing these struggles, which lead to creating a comprehensive recovery model that provides guidance, access, and financial support. This makes a future free from the streets and addiction possible for those who once thought it was out of reach.
Each recovery path is tailored to the individual. In our early years, we primarily supported individuals overcoming meth addiction, which, while difficult, allowed for immediate entry into long-tern residential recovery programs without medical intervention. However, by late 2021, as fentanyl addiction became more prevalent, we witnessed firsthand the brutal reality of unmedicated withdrawal. Recognizing the urgent need for a new approach, we partnered with an inpatient medical detox center and began fully funding detox for those battling fentanyl, heroin, or alcohol addiction.
Throughout the stages of medical detox and long-term residential recovery, We See You removes countless barriers by coordinating with service providers, covering transportation costs, and alleviating financial stress. By maintaining close relationships during this critical process, we help individuals navigate and overcome obstacles such as self-sabotage, resurfacing trauma, fear of success, financial instability, and toxic influences.
We See You does not just offer people a place to live, although we do offer that. We don’t just offer inpatient medical detox for those who are homeless, although we do offer that. We don’t just offer long-term residential recovery, although we do offer that. We See You offers to walk alongside each person “up the mountain”, ensuring that true healing and transformation are within reach.
THEMOUNTAINMODEL:
WE SEE YOU SAN DIEGO’S RELATIONSHIP-FIRST, COMPREHENSIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS & ADDICTION
THEMOUNTAINMODEL:
WE SEE YOU SAN DIEGO’S RELATIONSHIP-FIRST, COMPREHENSIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS & ADDICTION
PHASE3:DETOX& RECOVERY
PHASE3:DETOX&RECOVERY
We See You’s Recovery Team creates a personalized pathway for each person who accepts our invitation out of homelessness, addressing the root causes that lead to substance use and addiction.
The Challenge:
San Diego’s current options for overcoming addiction and ending chronic homelessness are insufficient. Individuals face overwhelming barriers, including the need to:
*Locate and access care facilities
*Obtain and manage medications
*Safely undergo withdrawal
*Secure housing and employment
*Build a support network
*Establish healthy routines for sustained sobriety
Detox:
For individuals addicted to opioids or alcohol, We See You sponsors and facilitates short-term inpatient medical detox, immediately followed by long-term residential recovery with continuous relational support. This critical step eliminates the challenge of physical withdrawal from substances such as fentanyl, heroin, other opioids, and alcohol
Key components of inpatient detox for those transitioning off the streets include:
*24/7 medical care
*Nutritious meals
*Clean laundry
*A safe space to rest and recover
*Individuals can enter detox even if they have used drugs that day and leave after ten days completely free of physical dependence.
Residential Recovery:
For those addicted to substances that do not require medical detox, We See You tailors a recovery plan to each individual’s unique needs, skills, goals, and challenges. Our Recovery Team guides individuals in selecting and navigating a residential program best suited for them.
We provide full financial sponsorship for all program costs until individuals become selfsupporting (typically 3-9 months). Additionally, We See You offers:
*Monthly care packages
*Financial support for personal needs
*Ongoing mentorship and community connection
By addressing both the immediate and long-term challenges of addiction and homelessness, We See You empowers individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Why Long-Term Residential Recovery for Men and Women Emerging from Chronic Homelessness and Addiction?
When someone surrenders to life on the streets, they are often pulled into a relentless cycle of survival. Chronic homelessness forces individuals into desperate, day-to-day existence, where securing basic necessities like food, clothing, and hygiene becomes an ongoing struggle.
For those battling addiction, whether to fentanyl, heroin, meth, or other highly addictive substances their dependency takes complete control. The body and mind become enslaved to the drug, driving individuals to do whatever it takes to obtain their next fix. Many resort to stealing, selling, or trading anything of value . . . including in some cases themselves . . . just to sustain their addiction.
Beyond addiction, life on the streets is marked by violence, abuse, and profound trauma. Hygiene becomes a forgotten luxury. One formerly homeless individual confessed, “I cleaned myself with toilet water.” This is the harsh reality for so many.
Long-term residential recovery isn’t just an option, it’s a necessity. It provides a safe, stable environment where healing and transformation can take place, breaking the cycle of addiction and homelessness.
In the first 30-60 days, as individuals transition out of survival mode, they can begin relearning essential life skills while their cognitive function gradually improves. Taking classes on healthy coping mechanisms is crucial for those whose former response to stress was turning to illicit drugs.
Making healthy choices day after day, causes hope to be restored in men and women who once saw no future for themselves. People who have endured lives filled with trauma are given the opportunity to access healing they never imagined. As healing occurs and people are freed from shame and guilt, often families are reunited and restored. We See You creates structured residential recovery pathways ranging from 6 to 12 months, which gives individuals a real opportunity to reclaim their lives.
THEMOUNTAINMODEL:
WE SEE YOU SAN DIEGO’S RELATIONSHIP-FIRST, COMPREHENSIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS & ADDICTION
PHASE5:GRADUATION
Graduation Day is a day of joy & celebration witnessing individuals who have journeyed from life on the streets through months of healing, recovery, and transformation. After completing a rigorous 6-12-month residential recovery program, they are now equipped with the skills needed to reintegrate into society as healthy, productive members of the San Diego community.
What Comes Next?
Great question! We See You provides a full continuum of care beyond graduation. Well before a participant completes their program, our Recovery Team works closely with them to create a personalized “Next Steps” plan, ensuring they transition smoothly into the next phase of their journey.
We believe that a strong, supportive community is essential, especially for those recovering from homelessness, substance use and addiction. To foster stability, We See You sponsors the first two months of sober living for graduates of residential recovery programs.
The Role of Sober Living
Sober living homes provide a safe & structured environment where graduates can establish independence while maintaining sobriety. These homes offer critical support as individuals:
*Secure full-time employment
*Arrange reliable transportation
*Adjust to a new lifestyle surrounded by others committed to recovery
Most sober living homes expect residents to contribute to household responsibilities, maintain employment, and attend recovery meetings. Because of the communal living setup, rent remains manageable for individuals getting back on their feet. Some people remain for six months, while others choose to stay for years, appreciating the ongoing structure & support.
Walking Alongside Beyond Graduation
Even after transitioning to sober living, We See You remains a steadfast source of encouragement and guidance. This phase of recovery presents new challenges as individuals face real-world obstacles, often for the first time without turning to substances as a coping mechanism making community support more vital than ever.
THEMOUNTAINMODEL:
WE SEE YOU SAN DIEGO’S RELATIONSHIP-FIRST, COMPREHENSIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
& ADDICTION
YOUAREHERE
THEMOUNTAINMODEL:
WE SEE YOU SAN DIEGO’S RELATIONSHIP-FIRST, COMPREHENSIVE, INDIVIDUALIZED SOLUTION TO CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS & ADDICTION
THEFINALINVITATION:BE PARTOFTHESOLUTION
THEFINALINVITATION:BEPARTOFTHESOLUTION
At We See You, the journey up The Mountain begins with an invitation to life change and it ends with another invitation. Our vision is to see those who were once trapped in homelessness and addiction in San Diego become the very people who reach back and lift others out of the trenches they once knew so well.
That’s why every individual who walks this journey with us is given a second invitation . . . an opportunity to join our team and be a beacon of hope for others. We believe in the power of personal testimony. There is nothing more compelling to someone in despair than seeing proof that transformation is possible.
Imagine a man living on the streets, trapped in fentanyl addiction, looking into the eyes of someone who was once in his exact position but who has now broken free, rebuilt his life, and found purpose. That moment of recognition, the realization that if he could do it, maybe I can too, can be the spark that ignites real change.
It is our greatest joy and honor to have an outreach team made up of men and women who once battled homelessness and addiction, now using their unique gifts, talents, and wisdom to serve, love, mentor, encourage, and inspire. They stand as living proof that there is hope, and that life transformation is possible.