All angles, all hands on deck: that’s my approach to the homelessness crisis, and we’re seeing results. 

• We are moving people from homeless encampments to safe housing and protecting our communities and environment. 

• We are increasing our capacity to provide critically needed mental health and drug/alcohol addiction help people on the streets get off them.

From the Riverbed to a Real Bed for 180

Since the County’s comprehensive plan to tackle homelessness that was created during my first term was enacted, we have been working to clear homeless encampments in the San Diego and Sweetwater Riverbeds and relocate unhoused individuals to safe housing. 

Unfortunately, more people are camping in the river. But I can report that we’re seeing real results in both moving people to secure housing and cleaning up embankments, clearing the debris left behind:

• 180 people have been moved from these riverbeds into either permanent or temporary housing since the beginning of this year.

• On average, 20 people have been relocated each month, thanks to ongoing outreach efforts and county funding.

While crews are down there, they also protect our waterways by cleaning up embankments and clearing the debris left behind.

There is still a lot of work to do, but thanks to the more than $20 million in grants we pursued we’re making an impact. 

The County will continue to leverage grant funds to address homeless encampments as part of our broader plan, which includes cleanup efforts and preventative measures like diverting people from homelessness before it happens – which has kept 244 people from becoming chronically homeless this year alone. For more details on our homelessness initiatives and our progress, click here.

Speaking of Beds: County to Add 49 New Recuperative Care Beds To Serve 1,000 Per Year

Continuing in our efforts to increase service capacity and make quality mental health care and drug/alcohol treatment more accessible and affordable, the County Board of Supervisors approved plans to add 49 new recuperative care beds aimed at providing critical health services for individuals experiencing homelessness. 

These new beds will relieve pressure on hospital emergency rooms and provide essential care to those most in need.

The new initiative is expected to serve around 1,000 people annually. 

These new beds, including 16 at a former Volunteers of America site in National City, will offer temporary recovery spaces for those receiving mental health and addiction treatment. 

How we got here: The project stems from my proposal approved in January to earmark $8 million in America Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funds to expand critically needed recuperative care beds in the region. 

These funds are being combined with $12.4 million in state grants, leveraging a total of $20.4 million to bolster our region’s healthcare infrastructure. 

The new beds will primarily serve individuals experiencing homelessness or those at risk of becoming homeless, addressing a critical gap in healthcare services that is causing problems for everyone in our community. 

One Last Thing: Free Bike Helmet Giveaway!

Come out Wednesday, October 16 to Carlsbad for a workshop about bicycle safety and get a free helmet from Scripps Health for you and your school-aged child. 

Our friends from the San Diego Bicycle Coalition will join us in Carlsbad to provide useful tips and information to help keep you and your family safe. Click here to register.   

In Service,

Terra