San Diegans needing supportive housing can look forward to over 200 new units becoming available in the coming months. Three developments, funded partly by Project Homekey, are on track to deliver 239 units designed to assist individuals grappling with behavioral health conditions. According to Patch, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer announced that the Abbott Street Apartments in Ocean Beach is expected to wrap up construction by the end of this month, with the Midway District's Pacific Village and Mission Valley's Presidio Palms following in December and February, respectively.
Project Homekey, a state initiative, aims to furnish permanent housing for individuals living on the streets or those at risk of homelessness. Supervisor Lawson-Remer revealed recently on her social media post that the forthcoming units will give a stable home to homeless veterans and those with behavioral health issues, fostering long-term housing stability and improved health outcomes. Residents will not only be provided with a roof over their heads but also a range of support services, including case management, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment.
We're moving ahead with 239 new units of permanent supportive housing, offering a stable foundation for homeless veterans and homeless individuals with behavioral health conditions to achieve long-term housing stability and improved health outcomes. pic.twitter.com/mUO1CtbdgX
— Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer (@SupLawsonRemer) September 26, 2024
With an 18.2% uptick in homelessness, as noted in the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, stress on services has increased, and the need for supportive housing has become more urgent. Patch reported that last year, 28% of the homeless population indicated they were suffering from severe mental illness. Lawson-Remer's office shared this statistic, highlighting the need for holistic housing approaches that integrate behavioral health servics.
Even as the county moves to alleviate the crisis, it's not without its challenges. Supervisor Jim Desmond reported concerns regarding one of the Project Homekey sites, Windsor Pointe, in Carlsbad. Despite voting in favor of the update, Desmond stated that "is still wreaking havoc" on the neighborhood because of numerous law enforcement calls and a lack of comprehensive services. His comment echoed the importance of 24/7 wrap-around services and proper oversight for these facilities as reported by Patch.
