When asking yourself about something to do near me in San Diego with a group of friends or family, consider
We See You San Diego
Why We See You San Diego is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
We See You San Diego is a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing homelessness and addiction in the San Diego area through a compassionate, relationship-based approach. Established in 2017, this 501(c)(3) organization unites individuals and families across multiple neighborhoods and over 30 diverse local churches to work toward transforming the lives of those living on the streets. The organization hosts weekly dinner parties every Tuesday where they warmly welcome 100 to 150 guests experiencing homelessness and addiction. Unlike traditional charity models, these events focus on cultivating trust and friendship in a safe, respectful atmosphere rather than simply providing handouts. Guests receive not only great food but also a fun dining experience, sometimes complemented by live entertainment and raffles for prizes like gift cards to local restaurants. We See You San Diego collaborates with local and national companies, treatment centers, and recovery organizations to offer long-term solutions and ongoing support to those in need. Their approach emphasizes "Hope for All," "Hospitality at the Highest Level," and "Healing & Wholeness," aiming to restore dignity and build authentic connections within the community. This initiative successfully adapts to challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic by partnering with local authorities to continue serving safely, demonstrating strong community trust and support. Overall, We See You San Diego offers a uniquely welcoming, impactful space for individuals to connect, heal, and find hope alongside friends and neighbors who truly see and value them.
Here's what people think of We See You San Diego
As of recent, We See You San Diego holds a 4.6-star rating based on 15 reviews.
Users consistently praise We See You San Diego for its compassionate and dignified approach to supporting the homeless and addicted population. Positive reviews highlight the organization's commitment to treating guests with respect, creating a welcoming environment that feels like a 'big dinner party,' and the quality of food and social engagement provided. Many appreciate the relationship-based model that fosters trust and sees guests as valuable individuals rather than just recipients of charity. The inclusion of live music, raffles, and a festive atmosphere adds to the uplifting experience noted by attendees and volunteers alike. Reviewers also commend the group's adaptability during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining food service safely despite restrictions, which underscored their commitment and cooperation with local authorities. Negative feedback is minimal but some critiques mention occasional logistical challenges such as limited seating or wait times during busy events, reflecting high demand and popularity. A few reviews suggest there could be expanded services or increased frequency of events to reach more individuals in need. Despite these minor concerns, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the transformative impact We See You San Diego has on both guests and volunteers. The reviews conclude that this organization is a trusted and respected pillar in the community, effectively fostering hope, healing, and long-term change among those it serves.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Aaron Barrett
As someone who used to be homeless, I can tell you from personal experience that this organization truly does have a solution to homelessness. Through the friendship and trust that was built over time from attending the dinners. I was able to conquer drug addiction and leave the streets permanently. Thank you for saving me and so many others.
Amanda Gresiak
The BEST place to serve others! We love this organization so much. The guests are always so grateful and the volunteers are great. I love that we get to serve alongside our kids. Tuesdays are our favorite days! The guests have become like family and we have seen lives transformed through this ministry. Some of the volunteers used to be guests, but are now walking in freedom from drug addiction! If you're looking for a place to serve, look no further!
Gerilyn Harris
This organization is different than many others like it. They are not there simply to give out a free meal. The heart of the organization is, through the power of relationship, to get people off the streets. They have had success in this endeavor by faithfully pouring into and meeting the needs of those caught in addition. At some point trust is forged and the idea that they can live a clean life off the streets becomes more than a lofty goal and shifts into their reality. It's amazing to see. Highly recommend taking the family and being a part of the change that comes through We See You any Tuesday night.
Tia Hitt
They really are true and they don't judge. They are true about trying to help when you're ready and even if you don't want the help they never switch up.
bmws mrse
Its a Church
How to reach We See You San Diego
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Why We See You San Diego may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at We See You San Diego with your friends?
Gathering at We See You San Diego offers a unique and deeply meaningful way to connect not only with your friends and family but also with the broader community through compassion and service. This nonprofit organization provides a weekly space where people from all walks of life come together every Tuesday to host a lavish dinner party specifically for those experiencing chronic homelessness and addiction. Unlike typical social hangouts, rallying here gives you a chance to engage in an extraordinary act of kindness — sharing a meal, building trust, and fostering relationships with individuals who are often overlooked by society. Bringing your friends to We See You San Diego means participating in a heartfelt mission to see lives transformed through love and practical support. The atmosphere is open, warm, and welcoming, allowing your group to experience the power of community and recovery firsthand. Moreover, it turns an ordinary meetup into a memorable event where joy, hope, and human connection take center stage. If your group wants to make a positive impact while sharing meaningful time together, this is the perfect place to rally, connect, and contribute to life-changing outreach.
What activities can groups enjoy at We See You San Diego?
We See You San Diego organizes a variety of engaging and rewarding activities that make it perfect for groups looking to spend quality time together in a meaningful way. The cornerstone event is the weekly Tuesday dinner party, where hosts prepare and serve meals to individuals currently experiencing homelessness and addiction. By joining your friends in volunteer roles such as food preparation, serving, setup, and cleanup, you all share in the hands-on experience of hospitality that restores dignity to guests. Beyond dining, volunteers help organize donation sorting, personal shopping, and managing the dessert bar, offering a range of tasks suited to different group sizes and interests. Children are welcome when accompanied by a parent or guardian, making it a family-friendly experience where everyone can contribute. These regular gatherings provide a rhythm of engagement, relationship-building, and encouragement that fosters genuine community bonds not only among guests but among volunteers as well. Additionally, the organization offers opportunities to help during special events or extensions of the ongoing programs in multiple locations throughout San Diego. This diversity of activities ensures your group will find fulfilling ways to connect, collaborate, and make a difference while enjoying each other's company.
Why is We See You San Diego ideal for hosting a group meetup?
We See You San Diego is exceptional for group meetups because it combines the joy of shared social experiences with a profound sense of purpose and community impact. For groups looking to bond over a common cause, hosting or volunteering here creates a powerful shared narrative of compassion and service. The welcoming environment encourages deep connection—not just among your friends or family but also with community members who are actively rebuilding their lives through recovery and support. The weekly dinner format is especially conducive to groups because it offers structured yet flexible opportunities for involvement, letting each person contribute according to their gifts and comfort level. The physical locations, such as the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Old Town and Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church, provide accessible and comfortable spaces for gathering. Hosting a meetup at We See You San Diego also means your group actively participates in creating positive, tangible change—offering food, hope, and pathways to recovery that transform lives. This shared experience strengthens personal bonds and leaves every participant with a sense of fulfillment far beyond a typical outing. In short, it's not just a meetup; it's a journey of empathy and empowerment worth embarking on together.
How does participating in We See You San Diego foster meaningful connections?
Participating in We See You San Diego events allows your group to build powerful, genuine connections not only with each other but also with individuals facing difficult challenges. The weekly dinner brings together diverse people—volunteers, guests, and organizers—around the simple, universal act of sharing a meal, which fosters trust and breaks down barriers. By serving food, listening to stories, and offering non-judgmental companionship, your meetup becomes a safe space where empathy and understanding flourish. Over time, relationships deepen as guests receive ongoing invitations to access detox, recovery programs, and sober living sponsorships tailored to their needs. These relational dynamics transform your group's meetup into a profound experience of witnessing courage and resilience firsthand. Moreover, working together with friends on these shared tasks builds teamwork and strengthens bonds through collective action. The soulful satisfaction derived from seeing lives changed first-hand adds a layer of meaning to your friendships that transcends ordinary social outings. This enriching blend of social connection and social impact makes every visit an opportunity to grow emotionally and spiritually alongside your group and community.
What new locations and expansions does We See You San Diego offer for meetups?
We See You San Diego has recently expanded to include additional locations, making it even more accessible and convenient for groups wanting to participate. Their established presence at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Old Town continues to host weekly events and serve the local community. The organization has also launched a new site at Grace Church in Escondido as of July 24th, broadening their outreach and impact regionally. Another location is Pacific Beach Presbyterian Church, situated at the corner of Garnet and Jewell Streets, about 1.2 miles from their previous gathering point. These multiple venues not only accommodate more guests in need but also allow volunteer groups more options in where to meet and engage. This geographic diversification makes it easier for groups based in different parts of San Diego county to join in without extensive travel. With more locations, your group can also choose to volunteer at a site that best suits your schedule and size, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable meetup experience. Each site maintains the same welcoming atmosphere and mission focus, so regardless of location, your group will find the same impactful opportunity to serve.
How can your group get involved and volunteer at We See You San Diego?
Getting involved at We See You San Diego is straightforward and welcoming for groups of all sizes and ages. Volunteers have no minimum age requirement, so entire families or friend groups can participate together, cultivating a spirit of inclusion. Roles range from food prep, serving meals, and dessert bar setup to donation sorting, personal shopping, and cleanup tasks, providing versatility depending on your group’s preferences and strengths. All volunteers must register online and sign a waiver, ensuring that everyone is informed and prepared for a safe and smooth experience. Comfortable attire and shoes are recommended for shifts that typically occur on Tuesday afternoons and evenings, but the schedule may change, with the organization updating its volunteer calendar accordingly. Signing up as a group also allows members to coordinate roles according to individuals’ capabilities, maximizing the fun and effectiveness of your meetup. Overall, volunteering with We See You San Diego is a hands-on way your friends or family can engage in life-transforming service while enjoying time together.
Why is the mission of We See You San Diego compelling for group gatherings?
The mission of We See You San Diego resonates strongly with groups seeking a purposeful way to spend time together because it centers on dignity, hope, and transformation. This nonprofit is dedicated to seeing men and women move beyond chronic homelessness and addiction by fostering trust, offering individualized pathways to recovery, and building supportive community networks. Each weekly dinner party functions not only as nourishment for the body but also as an invitation to healing and change—an invitation that reassures guests they are valued and worthy. This mission imbues every gathering with profound significance, making group participation much more than a social event. By joining forces, your friends or family become part of a powerful movement that offers tangible solutions to complex challenges, bridging compassion with action. Witnessing and facilitating stories of recovery creates shared memories of hope and empowerment that can inspire your group beyond the meetup. The mission’s deeply human focus ensures that every meeting is a chance to make a real difference in lives overshadowed by hardship.
What impact has We See You San Diego made since its founding?
Since its founding in 2017 by Kevin, Laura, and their family — who moved to San Diego with a heartfelt commitment to transformation — We See You San Diego has made a remarkable impact within the community. What began as a small dinner with only six guests has blossomed into a weekly gathering that regularly hosts between 150 to 200 individuals experiencing homelessness. Through dedicated volunteer support, partnerships with churches, companies, foundations, and hundreds of compassionate families, We See You has built a model that offers not only food but also hope, dignity, and practical pathways out of homelessness and addiction. The organization listens and responds to individual needs by connecting guests to detox, recovery programs, and sober living, walking alongside them throughout recovery and reintegration into healthy living. This impact story is a testament to the power of sustained community engagement and relational outreach. For groups looking for inspiration and a tangible way to create positive change, participating here provides direct access to meaningful outcomes, reinforcing a collective sense of achievement and social responsibility.
What makes the atmosphere at We See You San Diego unique for social meetups?
The atmosphere at We See You San Diego is extraordinary because it blends warmth, respect, and a spirit of celebration with the serious work of healing. Unlike typical social venues, here your group experiences a dynamic environment where every guest is honored and welcomed as part of an extended family. The weekly dinners resemble a lavish party where the focus is on inclusion and uplifting those who have been marginalized. Food is thoughtfully prepared—hosts even aim to serve what they themselves would eat—creating a sense of shared care and quality. This environment encourages laughter, storytelling, and authentic connections, making your gathering both joyful and impactful. Volunteers and guests alike share in moments of encouragement and hope, fostering an atmosphere that feels both safe and transformative. This unique vibe makes We See You San Diego a venue where groups can enjoy meaningful social interaction while participating in a deeper, collective purpose.
How does We See You San Diego support recovery beyond the weekly dinners?
We See You San Diego’s support extends far beyond providing meals. Each week, guests are invited to consider personalized pathways out of homelessness and addiction, including inpatient medical detox, residential recovery programs that fit individual needs, sober living sponsorships, and ongoing community support. The organization acts not only as a meal provider but as a bridge to vital recovery resources, walking alongside individuals through sometimes challenging transitions. Recovery coordinators, like Candace, share powerful stories and lead efforts to connect participants with treatment and supportive communities. This holistic approach ensures that guests are not left to navigate recovery alone but have access to compassionate encouragement and practical assistance throughout their journey back to independence and health. For meetup groups, participating here means contributing to an ecosystem of care that focuses on lasting transformation, not just temporary relief. This comprehensive recovery focus sets We See You apart as a beacon of hope and renewal.
What makes volunteering at We See You San Diego a memorable group experience?
Volunteering at We See You San Diego stands out as a memorable group experience because it combines meaningful service with opportunities for fun, teamwork, and personal growth. Working side-by-side with your friends or family in various tasks—from setting up and serving to connecting with guests and cleaning up—builds camaraderie and shared purpose. The stories shared and relationships formed during these events often leave lasting impressions that deepen your group's bonds beyond typical social outings. The mix of lively atmosphere, heartfelt gratitude from guests, and the visible impact of your work creates a motivating environment. Additionally, the inclusive and welcoming nature of the nonprofit invites volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, making it a versatile option for group engagement. After each meetup, your group carries home a sense of accomplishment and inspiration that can influence your outlook and interactions going forward. This distinctive blend of joy, service, and social connection makes volunteering with We See You a truly enriching experience for any group.