For years, the number of people becoming homeless has outpaced those finding housing. But new data confirms that targeted, data-driven solutions like the Homeless Diversion Program can change that trajectory.

At a press conference today, Acting Chair of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Terra Lawson-Remer highlighted new results proving that Diversion is keeping people housed, saving taxpayer dollars, and moving the needle on homelessness faster and more cost-effectively than traditional interventions.

Since launching in January 2024, Diversion has helped 597 people exit homelessness, supporting 489 households at an average cost of just $3,150 per household—or about $1,660 per person.

And it’s not just cost-effective—it’s moving the needle.

• In December alone, 920 people exited homelessness in San Diego County—surpassing the 903 individuals who became homeless for the first time.
• Diversion played a key role, accounting for 89 of those exits—proving that without it, first-time homelessness in December would still be outpacing exits.

"For too long, our homelessness response has been focused on managing the problem instead of solving it. We changed that by investing in a smarter approach—one that stops homelessness before it starts," said Acting Chair Lawson-Remer. "Diversion works. It keeps people housed, saves taxpayers money, and helps turn the tide on homelessness. The time to act is now."

Key Results from the Homeless Diversion Program (Jan-Dec 2024):

• 597 people moved from homelessness into stable housing through Diversion.
• That’s 489 households who got the support they needed to stay housed.
• The program achieved this at an average cost of just $3,150 per household—or about $1,660 per person.
• That’s five times more cost-effective than relying on shelters, emergency medical care, or law enforcement response.
• In December 2024, Diversion accounted for 9% of all people who exited homelessness across the region.

"We made a smart investment in Homeless Diversion, and today, the data confirms that it’s paying off," said Lawson-Remer. "This program is keeping people housed, delivering real results, and showing exactly how we can reduce homelessness in San Diego. Now, we need to expand it."

Who Benefited from the Program?

• 22% were seniors—older adults on fixed incomes who face limited housing options.
• 8% were youth—young people at risk of long-term homelessness.
• Nearly 41% were families with children, ensuring parents and kids could stay together in stable housing.

How the Program Works & Where the Funding Went

The Homeless Diversion Program provides rapid, one-time financial assistance—such as a security deposit, short-term rental support, or a car repair—paired with housing problem-solving services to help people remain housed.

• Nearly half (46%) of funding went to short-term rental assistance, typically covering two to three months of rent to help people stabilize.
• About one-third (35%) covered security deposits, allowing people to move into housing right away.
• Another 9% funded short-term hotel stays, providing immediate shelter while permanent housing was secured.

Scaling Up: Diversion’s Growing Role in Homelessness Response

• Over the past year, the program expanded from 8 to 22 service providers, allowing more organizations to offer immediate solutions.
• More frontline staff were trained to quickly resolve housing crises—helping people move into housing instead of getting placed on shelter waitlists.
• In December 2024, Diversion accounted for 9% of all people exiting homelessness in San Diego County—demonstrating its growing impact.

"For the first time in nearly three years, we saw more people housed than became homeless. That’s not luck—it’s because we invested in a smarter way to keep people housed," said Lawson-Remer. "Nearly 1 in 10 people who exited homelessness in December did so through Diversion. This isn’t just a pilot program anymore—it’s proof that we can move the needle when we invest in solutions that work."

The expansion of the Homeless Diversion Program was made possible through a public-private partnership between:

• County of San Diego
• City of San Diego
• Conrad Prebys Foundation
• Cushman Foundation
• Funders Together to End Homelessness
• Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego
• Lucky Duck Foundation
• San Diego Foundation

The Lucky Duck Foundation, a key funding partner, praised the program’s impact.

"The Lucky Duck Foundation is pleased to support this Diversion effort and its solid outcomes, given the cost-effectiveness, speed, and urgency at which homelessness ended for a meaningful number of people," said Drew Moiser of the Lucky Duck Foundation. "These one-time nominal investments to help seniors and families avoid homelessness are significantly more humane and cost-effective than allowing them to end up on the streets."

BACKGROUND: A Smart, Proven Investment

In October 2023, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer led a public-private partnership to expand the Homeless Diversion Program, ensuring more San Diegans could avoid chronic homelessness.With a $1.5 million funding pool—including a $350,000 County investment—the program has provided targeted, one-time assistance to nearly 600 people. This model is proving that early intervention keeps people housed, prevents long-term homelessness, and reduces costs to taxpayers.

Today’s announcement highlights Diversion’s success and lays the groundwork for further investment in this proven solution.