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General Public Questions and Answers

• I have a computer, with monitor, printer and scanner that I'd like to donate to a service family. Can Homefront use it?
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  • We do provide computers to military families. However, we are currently not accepting computer donations due to an oversupply in our possession. This oversupply could change in the future so we ask donors to call the Homefront San Diego (HFSD) Hotline so the computer volunteer can contact you and provide you with the current need for computers. Our computer program is limited to the acceptance of only computers and monitors. We cannot accept items such as printers and scanners. Each piece of equipment we give to a service family is thoroughly checked, the hard drive cleaned and all components checked to make sure they are in working order. We only accept computers with a valid Windows XP, or newer, operating system license.
• Can you use a baby stroller? A crib?
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  • Strollers, cribs, high chairs, bassinettes, changing tables and toddler beds are all in high demand and are always welcomed. They should be clean and in good working condition and have no safety problems. Items with parts missing cannot be accepted because we do not have the ability to do repairs. Call the (HFSD) Hotline and a volunteer will give you information on how to donate any of these items.
• I have children's clothing to donate . Can you use this?
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  • We cannot accept baby clothes, but other organizations with whom HFSD works closely, do. The San Diego M.O.M. (Military Outreach Ministries) organization has a warehouse on the base at Miramar and they will accept new or gently used, children's clothing. You can reach them at (619) 461-4164 or www.sandiegomom.org.
• I have a lot of children's toys, games, and books to donate to a needy family. Does Homefront accept such items? If not, how can I donate them?
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  • Items such as these, if in good condition, are needed. However, HFSD cannot accept these items. We recommend you take these types of things to the San Diego M.O.M. warehouse on the Miramar base. For additional information, please contact San Diego M.O.M. at (619) 461-4164 or www.sandiegomom.org.
• We have two beds - headboards, mattresses and frames - to donate. Can you use them? We need to have them picked up by next week to make room for our new ones.
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  • We cannot accept used mattresses due to health department rules. Nor do we accept other bed components. We suggest that you donate the items to another local charitable organization.
• I would like to donate some furniture and a computer. Is my donation tax deductible?
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  • We cannot give tax advice so you should check with your tax advisor. Since we are partnered with the San Diego Navy League, donations of items we accept should qualify as charitable donations as described in the IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions. We supply receipts for items we accept.
• How do I donate money to Homefront San Diego?
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  • You can donate money to HFSD by sending a check, made out to The Navy League. Be sure to include the words Homefront San Diego on the memo line of the check. This will ensure that the money is directed to the Homefront San Diego funds. HFSD is an all volunteer organization with no overhead costs allowing for all monetary donations to be used solely to assist the military families. Please mail the check to:
    • San Diego Navy League
      Homefront San Diego
      Attn: Phyllis Barber
      2115 Park Blvd.
      San Diego, CA 92101
• How do you use the money that I donate?
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  • Money HFSD collects from donations is used entirely to address the most pressing and immediate needs of military families. The major areas where money is directed are emergency food, diapers, gas, overdue bills, vehicle repairs, infant car seats and school clothing/supplies.
• My company has a matching funds program for donations I make to charitible organizations. Would my donation to Homefront qualify?
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  • Depending on the requirements of you company's program, donations would generally qualify. Contact the appropriate department in your company to notify them of your intended donation and to obtain answers concerning qualification.
• I want to do something for a needy military family. What can I donate to help?
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  • Some examples of items in need are:
    • Money and cash gift cards are very handy since these provide the family with flexibility to address specific immediate needs.
    • Gift cards from major department stores such as WalMart and Target also are very useful since they can be used for food, car seats, baby items and children's clothing - all areas of need.
    • Gas cards from major companies.
    • Phone cards can be useful for specific needs.
    • Used vehicles, in good condition, are valuable in that they can provide a means of transportation for the family that has none. There are certain requirements for vehicle donations (call our hotline to be put in touch with the HFSD volunteer).
    • Baby furniture of all types is always needed.
    • Household furniture (not beds/mattress) is always in need.
• I have a washer & dryer to donate. How do I do this?
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  • Items such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, freezers and television sets are rarely requested and are handled on a case by case basis. HFSD does not have storage capabilities so we must match donated items to a specific requests, or needs, and then schedule a pickup and delivery by one of our volunteers.
    
    When we receive an offer to donate one of these items we scan our needs list. If an immediate need is identified we then will make arrangements for pickup. This process may take several days/weeks. It is very important that such items be in good working condition. We are careful not to provide a family with an appliance which may soon breakdown and cause problems and added cost. Therefore, HFSD generally declines items that are older than 5 years.
    
    If no need is found, we inform the donor and ask whether they can hold the item until we get a need. This can sometimes take a number of weeks. If the donor can wait we will make an entry to the HFSD computer system for follow up action. Refrigerators and freezers are rarely needed and if we don't have a need when it is offered, we generally suggest the donor find another organization for donation.
• I have some kitchen items and utensils to donate. Can you use them?
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  • Since HFSD does not have storage facilities, we usually instruct donors to take these items to either the San Diego M.O.M. organization on the Miramar base or Camp Pendleton M.O.M. Both organizations have warehouse facilities where families can view items and receive them free. They will accept delivery of these items by donors. The lists of acceptable items is different for each organization and can vary depending on the time of year and the needs at any given time. It is recommended that donors call the M.O.M. organizations to determine if the items are being accepted and to obtain their hours of operation before attempting to deliver.
    
    SD M.O.M. can be reached at (619) 461-4164 or www.sandiegomom.org
    Pendleton M.O.M. office is (760) 908-7043 or www.militaryoutreachministry.org.
• How do I donate a car that I no longer need? Is this tax deductible?
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  • Yes, the donation is tax deductible. If we accept your vehicle we'll provide you with a 501(C)3 letter from the Navy League along with a IRS 1098c form for filing with your tax return. It may interest you to know that we are one of only a few organizations that arranges for a direct transfer from the donor to the military family without any money changing hands or coming to us. The IRS allows a deduction equal to the "Sell it Yourself" value for a car as listed in the on-line version of the Kelly Blue Book. This is because we and the Navy League are not-for-profit organizations. Most charities take a donated car and either sell it themselves or through an auto auction. The donor is then able to deduct only the amount received at auction. The figure is around 50% of the value that our donors can use from the Blue Book.
    
    Because we do not auction off cars, but rather provided vehicles directly to military families, it is necessary that HFSD select them carefully. Our goal is to select and accept vehicles that are in good enough shape so that a modest expenditure will make the car safe enough for HFSD to hand over to a needy family. We must consider many factors including, but not limited to, mileage, vehicle condition, safety items needed (tires, brakes, etc), smog test (possible repairs to pass) and any needed repairs to get the vehicle into good running condition. We will request that the vehicle be delivered to a participating Budget Car Sales location for inspection. There are no set rules; each vehicle must be judged on a number of factors. HFSD pays Budget a discounted fee for the inspection and any necessary repairs. The military family pays any DMV fees involved in title transfer. Call the HFSD Hotline to be put in touch with the appropriate volunteer.
• I want to hire a Marine to do some work around my house. Can you put me in touch with someone?
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  • We do not have the ability to connect service members with those offering jobs. Instead we refer them to a great organization called Hire A Patriots. They can be reached at: HirePatriots.com. or by telephone at (760) 730-3734.
    
    

Military Family's Questions and Answers

• Can I get a computer so I can email my husband who is deployed?
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  • Yes. We have a stock of computers and can provide one to you if you are a member of a military family. Please call the HFSD Hotline and make a request. One of our volunteers will give you information on how to get your computer.
• I need help with my car. It doesn't run right and I need it to transport my family. I can't pay for repairs. Can you help?
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  • There are certain requirements that a family must meet to qualify for this type of assistance. The military member must be lower enlisted and the family must have only one car. When these requirements are exceeded there is a slimmer possibility that HFSD will be able to consider helping. In such cases we may take information to allow evaluation for an exception, but this would be a very rarely occur.
    
    You should call the HFSD Hotline to request assistance. With such a request you will be asked to provide an LES and other information to facilitate an evaluation.
    
    Since we do vehicle repairs only if the family has one car, these situations are very time critical and we will make every effort to move the process along quickly. In spite of this, the need to make an assessment, locate a repair shop and schedule the work may take some time. If the family needs the vehicle for commuting to work and/or shopping, then they should consider making arrangements with friends or neighbors to carpool.
    
    Our assistance is of an emergency nature, designed to get the family mobile again, we do not assist with body work unless it is necessary to make the vehicle safely operable and it makes sense financially. This judgment is made by the experienced volunteer who handles vehicle repairs.
• Who is eligible for help from Homefront San Diego?
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  • All of our programs are available to families of lower enlisted active duty military. Our goal is to provide help and assistance in time of need and consists primarily of emergency assistance with food, car repairs, transportation, furniture, urgent bill needs, computers, baby items and other basic needs.
• We are a military family needing help but we are reluctant to ask for help and don't know how to proceed.
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  • No one really wants to appeal to others for help, but there are circumstances which sometimes require that we seek help from others. Asking for HFSD's help is not a difficult process. We understand the situation of lower ranked active duty families and appreciate the problems that can arise when trying to raise a family. Our volunteers have all worked with many families and are prepared to help if they can. Just call our Hotline and talk with our understanding staff of volunteers.
• I need to travel to my home state because of a death in the family. Can you help with the air fare?
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  • Sorry, but Homefront San Diego does not provide funds for air fares. Our resources are limited and we must concentrate on our primary areas of assistance. There are many organizations which have assistance programs for active duty personnel. These programs are varied and change periodically, so it's not possible to list specific ones.
    
    Some of the organizations you may want to check with for this need are: The American Red Cross, The American Legion, Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society, and Operation Homefront and Military OneSource.
• We are trying to pay our bills and put a small amount away as savings but we keep falling behind in paying our day to day bills. How can we get some help?
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  • We may be able to help. Call our hotline and briefly mention your situation. Also leave your name and telephone number. One of our volunteers will call to get preliminary information so we can open a case. You may be asked to provide an LES and other financial information. Then, one of our experienced financial assistance volunteers will contact you. The amount of help we will be able to provide will depend on the specifics of your situation. You must provide the required information before we can make an evaluation.
• I frequently find that we run short of money for food at the end of the pay period. Can I call on Homefront for help?
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  • Our help of this type is for emergencies. While we may be able to supply commissary cards or other help initially and maybe for a second time, we cannot do this on a continuing basis. Our resources just won't support this.
    
    Both M.O.M. Camp Pendleton and San Diego M.O.M. have food distribution programs. In addition they have food supplies at their warehouses for distribution free of charge. There are slight differences in the programs. You should check their websites for descriptions of their food programs, the locations, and their hours of operation.
    
    Camp Pendleton M.O.M. - Website militaryoutreachministry.org - Tel # 760-908-7043
    San Diego M.O.M. - Website - sandiegomom.org - Tel # 619-461-4164
• We moved to the San Diego area a month ago. We need furniture, especially beds for our children and ourselves. We are using sleeping bags. Can Homefront help?
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  • More than likely we can help you; just call the HFSD Hotline. A volunteer will call you and open a case. We can help with many kinds of furniture needs.
• We need help getting eyeglasses for our daughter. We can't afford them. Can you help us?
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  • Homefront does not pay for eyeglasses. The local Lions club has an eyeglass program and they should be contacted to see whether they can assist you.