Media Advisory

For immediate release: May 2, 2025
Contact: Sandra Wellhausen
(619) 507-2077
swellhausen@sdyouthservices.org

 

San Diego Youth Services' CEO to Bike from San Francisco to San Diego to Raise Awareness and Funds to End Youth Homelessness

San Diego, Calif (May 2, 2025) — San Diego Youth Services’ CEO Walter Philips is retiring on June 30, and in honor of his 25 years of service he is biking from San Francisco to San Diego to raise $250,000 for youth experiencing homelessness.

From May 10 to May 16, he will be riding his bike down the California coast, covering 100 miles per day, visiting youth homeless shelters and organizations focused on eradicating homelessness.

The finish line of the ride will be at San Diego Youth Services’ Point Loma Campus at 3255 Wing Street, San Diego, CA  92110. Walter will cross at approximately 4 p.m. on May 16.

“There is nothing more important to me than ensuring that all children in San Diego have a safe place to live,” said Philips. “At San Diego Youth Services’ Youth Emergency Shelter, we often see children as young as 12 years old in need of help, and I am hoping to bring more awareness to this heart-breaking situation through my bike ride.”

Over the past 25 years, Walter has worked tirelessly to ensure services are available for those in crisis. Under his leadership, San Diego Youth Services has grown from a small social services agency into one of the largest youth-serving agencies in San Diego.

"Leading San Diego Youth Services has been the honor of my life,” said Philips. “I have truly enjoyed working with our dedicated staff, board members, volunteers and community partners, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished together.”

Walter has participated in endurance events for many years to raise vital funds for vulnerable youth in San Diego. Community members can donate to support the bike ride at www.sdyouthservices.org.

About San Diego Youth Services

San Diego Youth Services works to end the cycle of homelessness by moving youth into safe and stable housing, and providing safe places to live and long-term solutions for children and young adults through shelters, foster homes, community centers and housing. The organization also provides wraparound services, including the tools and training youth need to become self-sufficient and create healthy and productive paths in life. Through prevention, early intervention and treatment, San Diego Youth Services also helps youth before they need higher levels of care or experience homelessness.

The nonprofit organization serves more than 14,000 youth annually and has helped stabilize the lives of more than 823,000 youth living in San Diego County, since its founding in 1970.

To learn more, visit sdyouthservices.org.

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