In 1914, Travelers Aid Society became its own independent agency in preparation of the Panama Pacific Exposition (the first San Diego Exposition). Since its incorporation on November 27, 1914, the agency has made changes with the times to provide services to meet the needs of the San Diego community. In 1955, due to the post-war increase of migration from the East to California, Travelers Aid redefined its mission to include casework service for non-residents and newcomers, which included helping clients to solve their problems through the process of examination, weighing the different solutions and choosing one which would improve their situation. This approach of helping people to help themselves remains a cornerstone of the casework program today..

In addition to casework, 1955 marked many changes to Travelers Aid's services. Information services, "travel services" and fulfilling housing needs, are three examples of services that were designed to serve the community in 1955 and with some modification, are still the primary purposes of Travelers Aid Society today. While we no longer can provide housing directly through volunteers sharing their houses with military and families, we still act as an agent to provide housing through shelters and other housing programs.

Continuing to Offer Help

As the types of need in our society have changed, so have Travelers Aid Society's services. From helping stranded travelers downtown, to meeting immediate needs of San Diego visitors as they arrive at the airport, train station, and cruise terminals, Travelers Aid continues to help people, whether they are a one-time visitor or an 85-year native.