The Downtown San Diego Partnership is collaborating with regional leaders to address the recent increase in homelessness in Downtown. Last August, the number of unsheltered people in the area reached over 1,600, along with more than 450 tent encampments. This is a 9% increase compared to the previous high in April 2022, according to the monthly count that has been conducted since 2012.
For more than a year, the Downtown Partnership has been advocating for a coordinated, compassionate, and data-driven effort to address homelessness. They are calling for a sustained outreach effort to connect unhoused neighbors to resources, safety, and shelter. Resources, personnel, and outreach efforts are needed to help individuals in their later years, families, and those with multiple health needs.
City and County leaders have also weighed in, highlighting the need for additional housing and shelter availability. The City of San Diego has allocated $1 million toward enhancing outreach in the Downtown area as part of this year's budget. Furthermore, they plan to expedite the hiring of full-time outreach staff dedicated to Downtown to complement both the planned coordinated outreach efforts and the work already being done by service providers to connect with the unhoused neighbors.
The Downtown San Diego Partnership is advocating for expanding shelter capacity, adding safe non-congregate shelter options, increasing outreach with professionals trained to assist those with behavioral health or substance abuse needs, and deploying resources in a coordinated, compassionate, and data-driven way. They are committed to creating long-term change and reducing the suffering on the streets.
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