Government shutdown spurs Shoreline Community Services to hold food drive

Shoreline Community Services has launched an emergency food drive to support unsheltered neighbors in the central beach area during the federal government shutdown.

The nonprofit organization based in Pacific Beach is requesting donations of individually packaged, in-date food items and snacks so they can be distributed from The Compass Station. Suggested items include individually wrapped and shelf-stable snack packs, oatmeal, ramen noodles, pretzels, cereal bars, apple sauce and fruit cups.

Donations can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at The Compass Station, 1004 Chalcedony Street in Pacific Beach.

Officials said while Shoreline’s core mission focuses on connecting unhoused neighbors to resources, housing and long-term pathways toward self-sufficiency, the organization recognizes that the current crisis demands an immediate, hands-on response.

“Typically, Shoreline works to align individuals with the community resources that help them take the next step off the street,” said assistant director Angie Veliz. “But this moment calls for all of us to do more. The shutdown has created an emergency situation, and we’re stepping outside of our usual scope of services because basic needs simply aren’t being met.”