UNA San Diego Youth Engagement: Impact Series 2026/27
Let’s walk in their shoes.
Thousands of our homeless neighbors in the San Diego County sleep outside every night. The Impact Series is a community initiative allowing us to show up for them: four public events where we listen, design, build, and celebrate with them, not just for them.
We all care.
We see someone sleeping under a bridge. We hope they’re okay: we repost, share, and talk about it.
We want to help, but for most of us, there has never been an easy way to get involved.
That is what we are trying to change.
10,600
Unhoused in San Diego County on a single night
1 in 4
Living unsheltered without any bed at all
58%
Became homeless here, not elsewhere
The four events
Four events. One goal.
We work with people experiencing homelessness, not just for them. We listen, we create, we build, and we celebrate.
The Design Challenge question
How might we improve dignity, safety, comfort, or reintegration for people experiencing homelessness?
30 JAN 2027
Listen and Collect Up next
Hear lived experience. Drop off clothing and hygiene items.
17 APR 2027
Design Challenge
Answer one question with a team. Cash prize for the winners.
24 JUL 2027
Build Day
Prototype and build the selected idea(s) together.
23 OCT 2027
Community Showcase
Celebrate the people, the ideas, and the impact.
Join the series.
Let us know which event you’d like to join. We will send the details.
Or write to youthengagement@unasd.org
Monetary donations are welcome!
It buys what the list is short of on the day!
Wondering what items you can donate?
Bring the left column. It always helps.
Most needed
- New socks and underwear
- Hygiene kits: soap, toothbrush, deodorant
- Sleeping bags and blankets
- Rain jackets and hoodies
- Sturdy shoes in common sizes
- Phone chargers and power banks
- Reusable water bottles
- Backpacks and duffel bags
Please don’t send
- Used socks or underwear
- Used toiletries
- Bulky duvets and pillows
- Formal wear and heels
- Single or worn out shoes
- Old cables with no plug
- Open or homemade food
- Suitcases with wheels
