2024 Dignity Defenders
A Dignity Defender demonstrates exemplary qualities of uplifting and empowering our community through the impactful work of restoring, advancing, and defending dignity for those experiencing homelessness. They uphold Think Dignity’s mission to inspire, empower, and organize our community to advance basic dignity for those living on the streets through meaningful advocacy and innovative problem-solving.
Jeff Chin
Jeff was selected for his years of dedicated service feeding the homeless in Downtown and East Village. Likewise, his commitment to leading and cultivating the next generation of community advocates in the teens and young adults at Burrito Boyz has earned Chinn the distinction of 2024 Dignity Defender.
Gilberto (Gil) Vera
As a first-generation Mexican-American and South San Diego native, Gilberto (Gil) Vera has dedicated his career to public service through serving indigent tenants in Los Angeles and San Diego County. Vera, Deputy Director at the Legal Aid Society of San Diego, was nominated and selected for this award due to his support of Think Dignity’s strategic plan alignment and, moreover, for his unwavering support of veterans experiencing homelessness.
Do you know a Dignity Defender?
2024 Staff Awards
Dr. Cynthia Woelfel
Dr. Cynthia Woelfel, Think Dignity’s 2024 Board Member of the Year, has played a critical role in furthering our mission of serving unhoused San Diegans with compassion and dignity.
When Cynthia moved to San Diego in 2021, she began volunteering at our Street Cafe and Survival Supply Distributions. Impressed by the programs, advocacy and leadership of our organization, Woelfel joined Think Dignity’s Board of Directors.
With 35 years of experience serving her community as a clinical psychologist, Woelfel applies her trauma-informed expertise in mental health and communication to enhance Think Dignity’s capacity to advocate and innovate solutions to end homelessness and advance dignity for those living on the streets. Dr. Woelfel serves as chair of our Programs Committee.
Edward J. Borek III
Edward Borek was named Think Dignity’s 2024 Volunteer of the Year for his commitment to our organization. Edward has been volunteering his time and talents with Think Dignity since 2011. Borek has been essential to keeping our organization going through recent transitions, leading our communications efforts and contributing to the gala planning team for years. He has been a consistent participant at our Survival Supply Distributions each year taking on whatever role is needed of him.
Borek is Lead Program Analyst for the San Diego Miramar College Basic Needs Center where he develops initiatives to meet the food, housing, health, technology, transportation, and social wellbeing needs of low-income college students. Prior to this, Mr. Borek coordinated educational and immigration services for undocumented and immigrant individuals pursuing a college degree.
We want to especially thank the following partners and donors for their incredible support:
