To address the issue of homelessness encampments along key freeway stretches in San Diego, Mayor Todd Gloria and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) have agreed to improve conditions for both the unhoused population and the wider community, Inside San Diego reports. This initiative, which grew out of a call to action from Gloria's State of the City address earlier this year, aims to clean up encampments and offer support to those living there.
The new partnership targets a 5-mile stretch of state freeways that snake through San Diego districts such as Little Italy, Downtown, and Barrio Logan. Mayor Todd Gloria explained that this agreement facilitates the City’s outreach workers’ ability to offer shelter and housing to individuals in encampments and also allows city workers to clear away trash and debris.
"The homeless encampments along our freeways are not only unsightly, but they are unsafe," Mayor Todd Gloria said, according to Inside San Diego. "After months of negotiations, I am excited to see this innovative partnership come to fruition."
Based on Gov. Gavin Newsom's model encampment ordinance, the agreement aims to expedite removing encampments and more efficiently connecting inhabitants with resources to end their homelessness. Caltrans crews will also be able to use this opportunity to conduct maintenance in other regions of San Diego. Under the pilot program, the State of California will reimburse the City for up to $400,000 of costs related to the cleanup and housing assistance efforts, Mayor Gloria further noted, Inside San Diego reported.
Many local figures and organizations, including State Senator Catherine S. Blakespear and the San Diego Padres, supported the agreement. "I have heard from my constituents about how unsafe and unacceptable it is to have encampments along our freeways, and I couldn’t agree more. I applaud Mayor Gloria and Caltrans for reaching an agreement to formalize this innovative state and local partnership so we can better serve those in need," State Senator Steve Padilla shared, as detailed by Inside San Diego. Furthermore, Sarah Jarman, Director of Homeless Strategies and Solutions for the City of San Diego, underscored the importance of overcoming jurisdictional boundaries to maintain continuity in the care of individuals transitioning between state and city properties.
