The Rotational Shelter (RS) operates county-wide during the cold weather season to house individuals and families who are experiencing situational homelessness. The RS partners with approximately 100 congregations (of all faiths and denominations) across San Diego County. Each winter season, about 60 of the 100 congregations host the program in their facilities for two to four weeks. The remaining congregations serve in a support role providing volunteers for meals, overnight hosting, transportation, and donations.

Up to 12 guests at a time generally receive shelter services per rotation. At the end of the rotation, the entire operation (cots and guests) moves to another partner congregation at a nearby location. Guests can stay up to eight weeks in the program. We also partner with various social service agencies, which provide comprehensive case management services to our guests during their stay at the shelter. Persons seeking shelter services are screened by case managers for substance abuse or severe mental health issues before receiving services. All guests must be willing to work closely with their case manager, follow their life plan, and attend all life skills, budget, and career planning workshops to continue to receive services.  

Our experience has been that most of our guests have experienced situational homelessness due to unforeseen circumstances in their lives. These circumstances might include loss of work or a loved one, divorce, or health-related issues. Regardless of the challenges, they are motivated to get back on their feet and work hard to secure employment and seek permanent housing.  

In many ways, this county-wide RS network of congregations, volunteers, and social service agencies serves to prevent the cycle of homelessness from beginning in the first place.

What to learn how you or your faith community can make a difference. Call us at the number above, and check out what it looks like to be a "Support" or "Host" congregation.

Demographic data

As part of our collaboration with local governments, ISN is required to gather demographic data from those we assist in the shelter program and upload it to a database managed by San Diego’s Regional Task Force on Homelessness. As such, ISN has adopted RTFH’s HMIS Policies and Procedures regarding Privacy and Security Measures, which are posted on their website.