Victorville's Wellness Center Graduates 300th Client

Published on September 29, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 29, 2026

VICTORVILLE, Calif. — How does a man who dedicated most of his life to the safety and security of our country end up on the street? After 12 years of serving in the United States Army, Justin D. returned home, excited to start the next chapter of his life. Shortly after his return; however, Justin was in a major accident that nearly killed him, resulting in a broken neck, spine, and hip. The accident also resulted in lifelong medical issues for Justin after the removal of his spleen and pancreas.

Unable to work, the bills began to mount. Ultimately, Justin lost his home and most of his possessions. Justin was unhoused for nearly six years. He couch surfed when possible but ultimately ended up on the street.

That all changed last week when Justin became the 300th client of the Victorville Wellness Center to graduate into permanent housing. The Wellness Center opened less than three years ago and is a non-congregate, navigation center developed and overseen by the City of Victorville to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness gain stability through interim housing, wraparound support services, healthcare, and recuperative care offered on-site.

Justin is among a number of homeless Veterans that constitute approximately five percent of all homeless adults experiencing homelessness in the country. He was referred to the Victorville Wellness Center by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Wellness Center provided stability, security, and support for Justin as well as a caseworker from Wellness Center operator, Symba. He worked with his case worker to obtain the vital documents needed to qualify for permanent housing through VA programs. Justin was able to be placed into permanent housing after just one week at the Wellness Center.

“Graduating over 100 individuals a year into permanent housing is an incredible accomplishment for our Wellness Center staff and you can see our strategy to reduce homelessness in Victorville at work throughout our community,” said Victorville Mayor Liz Becerra. "I am thankful for our staff who work hard on a daily basis to help homeless individuals in our community gain stability."

Since the City of Victorville opened its Wellness Center in December 2023, the homeless count in Victorville has dropped to the lowest point it’s been in six years. The number of unsheltered homeless individuals in Victorville has decreased 68 percent in the past two years and overall homeless is down 28 percent, according to the Homeless Point in Time Count released by the County of San Bernardino earlier this year.

When asked what he is most looking forward to in his new housing, Justin simply states: “Not having to worry about how hot it’s going to be, where am I going to be, or where am I going to sleep tonight?”

Justin also has a message for others who have experienced the hardship of homelessness: “As bad as it gets, it can always get better. It’s always going to get better as long as you stay positive and put in the work.”

Additional information about the City of Victorville’s homelessness solutions strategy and its Wellness Center is available online at VictorvilleCA.gov/HomelessnessSolutions.

Located in Southern California at the high-point between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Victorville is the leading city for both industry and retail in the High Desert Region. Victorville is a growing, vibrant community that is home to nearly 142,000 residents and some of the area’s largest employers, including the City-operated Southern California Logistics Airport. Clean air, abundant mountain vistas, family-friendly recreation activities, spectacular sunsets, and breathtaking night skies entice locals and visitors alike to fall in love with this city that is within a few hours of SoCal beaches, National Parks, mountain retreats, and other major attractions. Ontario International Airport is less than an hour away. Learn more about the City of Victorville at VictorvilleCA.gov.

Symba is a non-profit organization rooted in faith and dedicated to health, healing, and housing. Symba bridges the gap in care for those who are uninsured, low-income and unhoused with a holistic approach that integrates medical, behavioral health, housing, and crucial support walking alongside individuals and families as they work toward long-term stability and wellness. Symba believes in building a healthier future – one person, one step, one story at a time. Learn more about Symba at symbacenter.org.