>VISTA, CA – December 10, 2025) – Success stories abound as the year comes to a close at Operation Hope-North County, (OHNC) a high-barrier shelter for single women and families in Vista. With a 67 percent success rate for families transitioning into stable housing – a stat that is higher than the regional average, OHNC has already assisted more than 150 people in 2025 including 92 children.
Much of the shelter’s success relies on the generosity of San Diego County residents who continue to financially support the shelter. However, more funding is required to meet the growing demand. There is a wait list for the shelter and despite a successful giving campaign in late November, OHNC still needs to raise $450K in order to meet its fiscal year goals.
“We are one of very few family shelters in the County and we provide shelter for up to 120 days,” says Esperanza Zapico, OHNC’s Executive Director.
“Our approach is comprehensive with a focus on long-term results. More than 67 percent leave equipped with the tools and confidence to sustain their progress.”
Challenging Stats
“Our clients face significant challenges,” she says. “Here are some statistics: 76% are single-mother households, 19% are survivors of domestic violence, 8% experience mental health challenges, 5% struggle with substance use disorders, and 6% have disabilities. Our individualized approach ensures individuals receive the support needed to regain stability.”
At OHNC, residents are provided with a hot dinner each evening and participate in financial literacy training, parenting and job readiness workshops, and one-on-one case management. By achieving self-sufficiency, graduates experience improved well-being and reduced health risks, while the broader community benefits from lower public service costs and breaking cycles of poverty. Services include personal case support, financial literacy classes, job and housing assistance and providing a hot meal each night in its efforts to help families get back on their feet again.
One recent success story is that of Sophia, a mother of four who was escaping an abusive husband earlier this year. At OHNC, Sophia found the support and encouragement she needed to pivot and start a new chapter in her life. Within a few weeks, Sophia found a job in her field, an apartment, and the stability she and her daughters were craving. To view Sophia’s success story, see the link provided.
Ways you can support OHNC:
Adopt a Family for the Holidays – You can expect to spend about $50 per person and around $150–$200 per family, but we’re happy to match you with a family that fits your budget.
March 7 & 8, 2026 – Attend The Point Loma Thursday Club’s Annual Rummage Sale at Balboa Park. OHNC has been named a scholarship recipient of a portion of the proceeds from this annual fundraiser. www.thethursdayclub.org
March 28, 2026 – Attend “Hope in Full Bloom” – OHNC’s Annual Gala.
To learn more about these opportunities and events, including sponsorships, please contact Evelyn Flores at eflores@operationhopeshelter.org for more information.
If you’d like to make a tax-deductible donation before the end of the year, please visit www.operationhopeshelter.org
About Operation Hope – North County
Established in 2004, Operation Hope of North County is a shelter in Vista that assists homeless families and single women in need of support. As one of the very few family shelters in San Diego, the program keeps families together, offers stability during a time of crisis, and helps them take meaningful steps toward lasting independence. As a high barrier shelter, all clients must pass drug and alcohol screening, mental health screening and agree to a sober living environment.
Operation HOPE – North County also provides food, clothing, and essential resources to hundreds more individuals and families from our community, offering hope and support even as they await a safe place to land.
Winners of the ABC 10 News Leadership Award in 2022 and the 2020 Heroes of Vista – Non-Profit of the Year Award, Operation HOPE-North County continues to make a positive impact in North County San Diego. With more than 60 percent of its funding dependent on individual and community support, it’s crucial that volunteerism and financial support remain essential to sustaining and growing this work. To make a donation or learn more about Operation HOPE, call 760-536-3880 or visit www.operationhopeshelter.org.
