VVSD honors partners, celebrates legacy of Stand Down at inaugural awards event
By Gary Warth
March 14, 2026
SAN DIEGO — Veterans Village of San Diego honored regional partners and reflected on nearly four decades of service to homeless veterans during its first Stand Down Awards Luncheon on March 14 at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla.
The event recognized organizations and individuals contributing to efforts to house and support veterans, while also highlighting the history and impact of Stand Down — the nationally replicated model that began in San Diego in 1988.
Among the top honors, the Systems Change and Innovation Award was shared by the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, the San Diego Housing Commission and the County of San Diego Housing and Community Development.
“This is a very special award because it involves agencies collaborating to actually change the systems that help keep our veterans housed,” VVSD President and CEO Akilah Templeton said.
The three agencies were recognized for their work on the 2024 “Leave No Veteran Homeless” initiative, which helped house more than 1,000 veterans.
“For the first time, landlords, housing providers and service organizations were brought together in one place to expand opportunities for veterans with housing vouchers,” Templeton said.
RTFH CEO Tamera Kohler said the effort — including the creation of a landlord hub — demonstrated the impact of sustained collaboration.
“When people say the City, County and Task Force don’t work together, that’s not reality,” she said. “This team is the reality behind that.”
Templeton said the landlord hub could be revived at this year’s Stand Down, scheduled for July 17–18 at Liberty Station.
Stand Down, launched in San Diego by Vietnam Veterans of San Diego founders Jon Nachison and Robert Van Keuren, connects veterans experiencing homelessness with housing, healthcare, legal services and other support.
Since its founding, the model has expanded to roughly 200 communities nationwide.
During a panel discussion, Nachison recalled that homelessness among veterans was largely overlooked when the first Stand Down was organized.
“It wasn’t on anybody’s radar,” he said. “We wanted to send a message that there are veterans on the streets and something needed to be done.”
Initial skepticism from veterans — who feared the event might be a law enforcement operation — gave way to participation after organizers built trust through outreach.
The event has since grown into a cornerstone of veteran services in San Diego and a model replicated across the country.
Additional awards presented at the luncheon included:
- Stand Down Partner of the Year: San Diego Public Defender’s Homeless Court Team
- Corporate Valor Award: NAIOP San Diego
- Courage in Community Award: San Diego Veterans Coalition
- Battle Buddy Award: San Diego American Legion
- Phoenix Rising Award: Joseph Pisano
- Spirit of Stand Down Award: Ashley Tatum
- Heart of the Mission Award: Robert Jackson
- Founders Award: VA San Diego Healthcare System, Jon Nachison and Robert Van Keuren
The VA was recognized for providing medical, mental health and benefits services at Stand Down events.
Former Assemblymember and County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher delivered keynote remarks focused on personal resilience and the importance of community support.
“When life falls apart, it’s your tribe that helps put it back together,” he said.
Big picture: The event underscored how regional coordination — from public agencies to nonprofits and private partners — continues to play a central role in reducing veteran homelessness in San Diego.
