The issue of homelessness is a crisis in San Diego, with thousands of people in need. Many are veterans who have lived on the streets for years, and I chose to target that demographic. The Office of Veterans Affairs has myriad programs, but they are not fully utilized and vets struggle to connect to these services. This is largely due to the face that these vets are unable to get to their local VA office to use them.
To ensure that homeless veterans receive needed services, I created the concept of a "meeting place" in several locations in downtown San Diego that would transport veterans to the VA office. Advertisements around the city at bus stops, on benches, and plastered on walls use cardboard and handwritten type, connecting to vets with empwering language that motivates them to seek help. Any homeless veteran that makes use of the transport service would be given a lanyard badge containing information about VA programs. The badge would also grant them free rides on public transportation, allowing further access to services. The ad campaign speaks directly to the homeless population, an angle underutilized for addressing their issues.
This simple sign can be posted in many locations, allowing for flexibility in the meeting place location.
This cardboard badge contains information about veterans services and locations, as well as a dog tag that allows for free public transportation. The badge may be kept together or portions may be removed, depending on the preference of the wearer.
