A lot of money is directed to reducing homelessness. But which investments are actually making a difference?

Well, the data is in. We now have proof that a smarter approach — one focused on stopping homelessness before it starts — is working. 

Keep People in Homes: What a Concept!

For too long, our homelessness response has been focused on managing the problem instead of solving it. I believed we could do better — and now the data backs that up.

It's simple: help people before they become homeless. My colleagues approved my plan to launch San Diego County’s Homelessness Diversion program in January 2024. The results have been remarkable:

• 597 people have found stable housing thanks to this program
• 489 households have been saved from falling into homelessness

These are our neighbors — and this program is keeping them housed: 

• Families with children were nearly 41% of those served 
• Seniors on fixed incomes made up 22%
• Young people at risk of long-term homelessness were 8% of people helped 

A Terrible Trend That This is Helping to Reverse

Here’s the big picture: in December 2024, for the first time in nearly three years, more people exited homelessness in San Diego County than became homeless for the first time. This program accounted for nearly 1 in 10 of those positive outcomes. Without it, these numbers would have told a very different story.

This approach is also a more efficient use of our tax dollars: helping people stay in their homes or find a new one — aka homeless diversion — is five times more cost-effective than spending money on shelters, emergency medical care, or law enforcement response. 

It Works. Let’s Do More. 

We are building on this success. Last month the Board of Supervisors approved my proposal to grow this program again — so more San Diegans get the help they need before they ever lose their housing.

And once again, we’re doing it with the help of many partners. 

This smart, targeted investment is possible through a public-private partnership with the City of San Diego, Lucky Duck Foundation, Prebys Foundation, San Diego Foundation, and Cushman Foundation — and will be administered by the San Diego Housing Commission. 

We have a better idea of what works. And I’ll keep fighting to do more of it.