Going Home End-of-Life Services

Each year in San Diego County, approximately 100 people die alone and without a place to call home. Going Home was created for those who are dying the streets of San Diego from a terminal illness. The overarching goal is to provide services which surround and care for the dying individual, their family, and their community in a manner which creates a place of healing of mind, body, and spirit.

A unique aspect of Going Home is that the men and women are not required to change who they are. They are restored dignity and given mercy through self-determination and patient-driven services, which respect the wishes and will of the dying individual.

Going Home Goals

• Reaching out to a rejected community in our midst.
• Provide comfort and safety in dying.
• Provide patient-driven servies, which respect the wishes and will of the dying individual.
• Build healing relationships in an environment that has worked to tear down those relationships.
• Facilitate those services that are currently available to the dying person.
• Create a spirit-led community of healing in dying.
• Bring healing to communities of volunteers in their assistance with patients.
• Assist in a Good Dying. To assist in a meaningful and patient-chosen memorial and burial.

Simon's Walk

Simon's Walk is the volunteer component of Going Home - a group of trained volunteers who may provide care and support such as: companionship, emotional and/or spiritual support, assistance with tasks or routines, sharing music, art or literature, and participation in their memorial.

The name "Simon's Walk" comes from Simon of Cyrene who, in all four gospel stories, walks with Jesus in the final hours of his life, helping to carry the burden of the cross. As much as finding a model of service in Simon, this story also leads us to see Jesus in the face of the homeless men and women we intend to serve.

How you can help

As with all aspects of TACO, volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization.

• Become a Simon Minister: Email Nance Lovell at nance.taco@firstlutheransd.org. for an application. Volunteers will be interviewed and provided over 30 hours of training and mentoring. We require a commitment of at least two years.
• Sponsor us by urging your company or corporation to contribute, organizing your church or youth group to donate, or by making an individual contribution.
• Support us with your prayers and voice of advocacy for the people we serve.

If you have any questions about the program, you can email Coordinator Nance Lovell at nance.taco@firstlutheransd.org.