“Compassion asks us to go where it hurts, to enter into the places of pain, to share in brokenness..... and anguish. Compassion challenges us to cry out with those in misery, to mourn with those who are lonely, to weep with those in tears….. Compassion means full immersion in the condition of being human.”
-Father Henri Nouwen
Our Story
My name is Andrew Cowling. I am currently a junior in college. I started Wagons of Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization when I was in 10th grade. We began handing out bottled water and donuts to the homeless in downtown San Diego. We then added blankets, clothing, and toiletries. Today, our focus includes trying to provide some comfort to those with medical issues.
Our Mission
Wagons of Hope aims to spread our message of hope and compassion. We believe that a single action can make a difference in a person's life, and that collective action can greatly impact the community. Through advocating for the homeless, we want to bring awareness to the suffering and plight of the often ignored and forgotten segment of our society.
HOW WE HELP
SAFE DRINKING WATER
Feeding the Hungry
In 2010, the United Nations passed a resolution making access to safe drinking water a basic human right.
We distribute bottled water to those on the streets of East Village. Most of us take our access to water for granted, but for the homeless, finding clean drinking water is a daily struggle. Imagine yourself outside in the heat all day, 7 days a week, and you are able to drink water only once or twice a day. It's hard to do, but that's what the unsheltered have to endure daily.
We also hand out Dunkin donuts. Unlike water, donuts are not critical, but we hand them out to bring smiles to people's faces. Who doesn't love a donut?
BLANKETS & WINTER CLOTHING COLLECTION
Help the Unsheltered Get Through the Night
During the winter, temperatures at night can become very cold, even freezing. Hypothermia can set in at temperatures as high as 50 degrees. Few have access to things like sleeping bags, blankets, hoodies or warm jackets. Picture yourself sleeping on cement every night without a blanket or coat to keep warm. You can help by donating used or new blankets and cold weather clothing. We collect year-round and can pick up at any location.
PROVIDING COMFORT FOR THE SICK
Giving Hope to Those with None
Many sick homeless people are alone without family or friends for support. Wagons of Hope strives to provide some comfort to these suffering individuals, whether it means just listening to them or providing care packages. We also try our best to fulfill any personal requests so that they may be little more comfortable.
Leadership
Andrew Cowling, EMT
CEO-Founder
Cornell University, Junior
Randy Cowling, PhD
CFO
UCSD, Asst. Professor of Medicine
Barry Greenberg, MD
CS
UCSD, Director of Advanced Heart Failure
Media Center
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Proud Partners of Bombas Socks
Bombas has donated over 100 million pairs of socks worldwide and generously donates over ten thousand pairs of socks to Wagons of Hope annually. Because of their generosity, many unhoused San Diegans have been helped.
Proud Partners of Burton Foods & Dunkin' Donuts
Through the generosity of Burton Foods and Dunkin' Donuts, Wagons of Hope has been able to bring fresh donuts and smiles to those who are unsheltered on the streets.
Resources
Father Joe's Villages Healthcare
The medical clinic at Father Joe's Villages provides a wide range of services, ranging from substance use and psychiatric care, to dental and primary care. The clinic is open for most of the day on weekdays. Detailed hours and information are available at https://my.neighbor.org/our-solutions/making-health-a-priority/.
Father Joe's Villages
In addition to extensive medical services, Father Joe's Villages provides a wide range of services, including transitional housing, permanent housing, and meal services open to both residents and the public. More details are available at https://my.neighbor.org/.
Alpha Project
The Alpha Project provides services such as temporary housing, transitional employment, and rapid rehousing to individuals and families who recently became homeless. More details are available at https://www.alphaproject.org/.
Family Health Centers of San Diego
Family Health Centers of San Diego provides a wide range of clinical support to those experiencing homelessness, including dental care, primary care, mental health counseling, and transportation to and from appointments. Clinics are located in downtown as well as Logan Heights and National City. More details are available at https://www.fhcsd.org/.
Healthcare in Action
The HIA medical group provides healthcare to older adults and other vulnerable individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
info@healthcareinaction.org
Thank you so much for your generosity!
Wagons of Hope is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Please consider making a tax deductible donation.
Venmo: @wagonsofhopesandiego
PayPal: wagonsofhope211@gmail.com
Please mail checks to the address below.
1331 Dawson Drive
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Tax ID: 85-2284002)