The San Diego Women’s Veteran Center officially opened a new program by local non-profit, Wounded Warrior Homes, in August.

ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Female veterans and their children have begun moving into the San Diego Women’s Veteran Center in Escondido, which was launched in August by local non-profit, Wounded Warrior Homes.

Previously, a house that was remodeled, the center is now designed to help women veterans and their children obtain transitional housing for up to two years. 

The goal is to offer female veterans a safe place to live for up to two years and to help them successfully re-enter civilian life. The center will provide counseling, education and job support. It will come at no cost to women in the program, including no utility bills. 

The center features three total rooms, including a learning center for children, which has three desks, three computers, Wi-Fi, a laser printer and school supplies. 

Emely, a Navy veteran and the first family to move into the home, explained that she learned about the Women’s Veteran Center after inquiring with 211, as she was trying to get out of a situation with her two children. 

211, which provides free information and referral for help with food, housing, healthcare and others, sent an email with resources to Emely, along with the link to CBS 8’s reporting on the center in August.

“… I was sent an email for resources… and they [211] sent me a link, and when they clicked it… It was CBS 8, and I saw the story, and I saw that he was taking applications. And I just applied,” Emely, a Navy veteran and the first family to move into the home, said. 

Emely applied and was connected with Rick Espitia, the Chairman and Executive Director of Wounded Warrior Homes. 

“Mental health is key. We were able to gather a staff that includes therapists… We formed a team that really works well with our veterans in our home. So, mental health is key,” Espitia said. 

Espitia aims to open another Women’s Veteran Center in 2026. 

Also, likely in January, applications to live in the Escondido home will open up again, as Emely is graduating from school and is moving to accept a nursing career. 

“I got a residency, so I’m happy,” Emely said. 

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