San Diego's efforts to combat homelessness along the Interstate 15 corridor have met with some success, with the city using funds from a state grant to address and clear encampments while also providing much-needed housing and supportive services to its vulnerable residents. The Encampment Resolution Fund grant, awarded to the city in 2023, has resulted in 18 people being sheltered, three reunited with families, and five securing permanent housing, according to the City of San Diego.
Intensive outreach near City Heights has tackled dozens of encampments, with efforts headed by Ketra Carter from the Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department. These efforts are not just about housing but also about connecting individuals with medical care and other supportive services because "Some need more medical care than just a key to an apartment", Carter explained in an interview via the City of San Diego news, highlighting the personalized approach taken to meet the unique needs of each individual facing homelessness. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness, referencing the over $1 billion investment in encampment resolution grants in a social media video.
The outreach, which includes medical support, began in earnest near the I-15 in late April, with organizations like People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) and Health Care in Action contributing to the massive endeavor. The city's strategy operates in phases, with the initial focus on areas like Park de la Cruz and later extending to Ward Canyon by January 2025 to leverage the flexibility of the Encampment Resolution Funds for costs, including temporary housing, utility deposits, and other essentials.
Currently, the city is in phase two of using the grant as it shifts focus to Teralta Neighborhood Park. Cater's vision is clear: "Whatever it is that meets the need of that individual, we’re going to use that as a bridge until we can identity what permanent housing looks like for that person", she told the City of San Diego's publication. In a similar vein, nearly $17 million was awarded last June for a collaborative project along the San Diego River, with the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, City of Santee, and Caltrans working together to provide support and simultaneously tackle river encampments.
