Because everyone needs someone in their corner.
Be A Friend – Impact A Life was founded by Mary Benirschke with a simple but powerful idea: genuine friendship can change a life. The program was created to connect volunteers with people experiencing homelessness through one-on-one relationships built on trust, consistency and simply taking the time to know one another.
The Lucky Duck Foundation has helped grow Be A Friend throughout San Diego, equipping local service organizations to bring the friendship model into the communities they serve. We See You San Diego is honored to be one of those organizations.
Be A Friend at We See You
At We See You, we’ve brought Be A Friend into the recovery journey.
We connect volunteers with men and women who are leaving homelessness and addiction behind and building entirely new lives. While recovery programs provide structure, accountability and a safe place to heal, friendship provides something different: belonging.
And that’s really the whole idea. Be a friend.
Grab coffee. Go to dinner. Catch a game. Celebrate birthdays and recovery milestones. Send the text. Make the phone call. Invite someone along. Laugh together. Get to know each other.
There’s no need to have all the answers. You aren’t being asked to become a counselor or case manager. You’re simply choosing to walk alongside someone as they build a new life.
Friendship + Community
Be A Friend begins one-on-one, but it doesn’t stop there.
Throughout the year, We See You hosts gatherings where friends, families and people interested in joining Be A Friend can spend time together and have actual fun.
From Padres games and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to San Diego Seals lacrosse games, a bonfire at the bay, and more, these gatherings give friendships room to grow naturally and create lasting memories.
Because recovery isn’t only about what someone leaves behind.
It’s also about the life, relationships and community they get to build next.
Moments from Be a Friend
Want to Be A Friend?
If you’re willing to walk alongside someone as they build a new life, Be A Friend may be for you! Send us a note and we’ll follow up.