San Diego City Wire

The County’s Office of Military and Veterans Affairs (OMVA) is preparing for the region’s largest annual event for unhoused veterans, the Veteran’s Village of San Diego’s Stand Down. Scheduled from August 9 to 11, the event will offer a range of resources and services for unhoused veterans.

A notable feature this year is the introduction of a Landlord Hub, where the County, City of San Diego, and other veteran partners aim to encourage landlords to submit interest forms and rent to voucher-holding veterans.

In the past year, OMVA had over 70,000 contacts with veterans and their families. "Our goal is to provide comprehensive support to military veterans and their families, ensuring they receive the benefits they are entitled to from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, the State of California, and other agencies," said Ray Flores, the County’s Military and Veterans Affairs Officer.

Flores began his role in May 2024. He brings extensive military experience from his 21 years in the U.S. Navy on warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers. After retiring from service, he continued supporting his military peers through various leadership roles including as an executive at the San Diego Veterans Coalition.

Since July 2023, OMVA has answered more than 35,000 calls and handled over 20,000 in-person visits seeking veteran services support. The office has grown to 44 employees who assist veterans with filing VA disability claims, obtaining veteran license plates and driver's license designations, college tuition fee waivers, property tax reductions, and connecting them to other services.

OMVA operates offices across the county and is virtually embedded through Vet Connect at libraries in Borrego Springs, Julian, Bonita-Sunnyside, Alpine, Imperial Beach, Lakeside, Poway, and Valley Center. Veterans can call 858-694-3222 to make an appointment.

Established in 1974 under guidance from the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet), OMVA provides consistent services for veterans. It integrates with the County’s Self-Sufficiency Services department and collaborates actively with veterans’ coalitions and military bases. OMVA also participates in meetings with entities such as the San Diego Veterans Coalition and VA Community Advisory Board.

For more information or access to services, veterans are encouraged to call 1-866-726-8831 or visit OMVA's website at Office of Military & Veterans Affairs.