Our Story

For over six years, David Ross, The Water Man, has been handing out bottles of water, one at a time, to the homeless and displaced in Downtown San Diego. Living on Social Security, David spends most of his income on people who need it more than him.

In 2008, Gerry Limpic (former recording artist, now Family Therapist and Music Pastor) met David and realized there was a need for more people to help David in his desire to serve the poor. After an initial conversation about specific ways to help, the decision was made to start a non-profit organization.

In May, 2008, The Isaiah Project became incorporated as a California 501 (c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, and is the umbrella for all we do as The Water Man of San Diego. Since then, we have continued to provide water, food, tents, blankets, shopping carts (Born Again Baskets) and funded two sets of portapotties for two years with no financial help from the City.

We are a small, grassroots organization (David, myself) with most of our funding coming from only a few people, who give sacrificially and faithfully. Please consider becoming a part of the team!

About the Water Man Check-in Center

Overview

The Isaiah Project, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to helping the homeless in San Diego, CA in two ways:
1. Immediate needs (bottled water, food, portable restrooms)
2. The Water Man Check-in Center Storage Facility (where residents without homes can safely and securely store their personal belongings, look for jobs, go to work, and eventually acquire housing

The Cost-Effective "Missing Link".

The Water Man Check-in Center has, in the first 5 months of operation, been a total success. We provide storage for over 350 individuals who are able to look for work, keep jobs, and eventually get off the streets. The Center has been the "missing link" in helping many homeless people get off the streets and re-enter productive society. Where other programs focus on "rehabilitation," we simply provide the means where those who are able can help themselves.

Clean Up

The other benefit The Water Man Check-in Center is the cleaning up of Downtown San Diego. The San Diego Downtown Partnership has applauded our efforts in reducing and eliminating the piles of belongings on the sidewalks. The San Diego Police Department works closely with us in helping those who need storage. Our current location on 9th Ave. is situated perfectly for mid-town San Diego. We believe another satellite location in East Village would be a tremendous help for that area also. Ideally, 3 or 4 locations, strategically spaced around downtown could greatly benefit the city.

Uniquely Qualified to Succeed

The Isaiah Project, Inc. is uniquely qualified to succeed in our efforts because of the strong leadership of our staff. David Ross, "The Water Man", has been a San Diego icon for several years, receiving commendations from the City Council, San Diego Police Department, and others for his tireless efforts on behalf of the homeless in San Diego. The San Diego Reader has featured him multiple times for his advocacy for the less fortunate. David continues to make daily distribution runs giving out over 700 bottles of water per day and overseeing our 6 portapotties. Gerry Limpic, Executive Director, is in charge of The Water Man Check-in Center. As a result of a lawsuit brought out against the City of San Diego for destroying multiple homeless peoples' belongings in Oct. 2009, the settlement involved establishing a storage facility (modeled after Los Angeles' Central City East Association Check-in Center) on 9th Ave. in San Diego. Mr. Limpic, a licensed therapist, trains the staff and oversees the Center. The Center provides a high level of polite customer service (unique in the homeless service provider field) and a carefully organized, efficient operation. Each of our paid employees have years of experience in the homeless services field and are uniquely qualified to deal with this sometimes difficult population. It is our hope to continue to help people in their journey from living on the streets to a more secure, productive life.

Endorsements

The Water Man Check-in Center has become a symbol of success for the rebuilding of downtown San Diego and has received enthusiastic support from Council Members Kevin Faulconer, Sheri Lightner, Todd Gloria, and Tony Young, as well as Assistant Chief of Police Boyd Long and Chief of Police William Lansdowne. This is a pilot program San DIego can be proud of for years to come.