In a recent development aimed at addressing San Diego's homelessness crisis, Mayor Todd Gloria has spearheaded an initiative in partnership with the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) to negotiate a new shelter site on Second Avenue, as reported by Mayor Gloria's social media post. This effort is part of the city administration's strategy to provide real solutions for reducing homelessness, complementing other recent endeavors to add 263 beds across three new facilities and planning to double the Safe Parking Program near the airport.
In partnership with @theSDHC, we will be moving forward on negotiations on a site on 2nd Avenue to bring in people off the streets. My administration has prioritized real solutions to reduce homelessness, and this site could help meet our goals. My full statement: pic.twitter.com/4GO78u6Pmd
— San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (@MayorToddGloria) February 11, 2025
The Mayor expressed gratitude for the City Council’s unanimous approval to advance new shelter options, declaring, "Our sustained action over the past several years is turning the tide on this crisis," according to NBC San Diego; in addition, prospects for expanding the Veterans Village of San Diego were announced, alongside the decision to evaluate other uses for the former Central Library on E Street, while setting aside the dilapidated City Operations Building from the shelter discussion, Councilwoman Marni von Wilpert noted the building's poor condition stating, "The COB is falling apart at best," as noted in the NBC San Diego article.
The Mayor's Office communicated through an official news release from the City of San Diego that many shelters currently operate in temporary locations, which will inevitably have to move due to site restrictions or redevelopment plans; by identifying permanent shelter locations now, San Diego is working to avoid costly relocations and establishing a more sustainable response to homelessness, this initiative includes a proposal for a new 200-bed shelter in partnership with Catholic Charities, aimed at providing shelter for seniors and single women.
