SAN DIEGO (AUGUST 29, 2023) – The County of San Diego is again stepping up to help prevent homelessness among seniors aged 55 and older. Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer today voted for Supervisor Joel Anderson’s policy  to develop a “senior shared housing program” at the County of San Diego. 

Supervisor Lawson-Remer released the following statement after the vote of support:    

“It is an unconventional idea, but now is the time to take bold, new steps to curb the homelessness crisis,” said Supervisor Lawson-Remer, who also serves as Board of Supervisors Vice Chair. “Seniors are on fixed incomes, and this is a way to address rising house costs and make sure older adults do not fall into homelessness. There is still a lot of work required, but I look forward to working with Supervisor Anderson in the months ahead to get this pilot project up and running.”   

In February of 2022, Supervisors Lawson-Remer, Anderson, and others passed the creation of a shallow rental subsidy program for older adults. With a budget increase in June, the rental subsidy will help 444 individuals, but there were more applicants than available funding. It is expected this policy will be a preventative solution to help more older adults remain housed.  

To review the policy passed Tuesday in its entirety, click here.