A total of 179 individuals who had been residing in two local riverbeds have been successfully relocated to permanent or temporary housing since January, as announced by officials on Thursday in San Diego.
These formerly homeless residents were living in the San Diego and Sweetwater riverbeds and were part of a larger group identified by the county to assist in finding housing solutions.
San Diego Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer stated, “Our ongoing efforts to clear homeless encampments from the riverbeds are yielding positive results. Month by month, we are making steady progress in transitioning individuals from outdoor living to secure housing. By also focusing on cleaning up the embankments and removing debris, we are not only assisting people but also safeguarding the waterway. While relocating 180 individuals marks a significant achievement, there is still more work to be done.”
According to a release from Lawson-Remer’s office, many of those who had made the riverbeds their home had been homeless for extended periods and were living in survival mode. Due to a lack of trust in authority, specialized teams were utilized to establish connections with these individuals.
Kendall Burdett, an outreach case manager at People Assisting the Homeless, emphasized, “Each person’s experience of homelessness is unique. Unsheltered individuals along the San Diego River often seek isolation and are hesitant to seek services. This underscores the importance of meeting individuals where they are at and building trusting relationships. Our outreach efforts along the river take a person-centered approach to address immediate needs while working towards long-term housing solutions.”
Related Stories
In June 2023, San Diego County, the city, the city of Santee, and Caltrans were awarded $17 million to address homeless encampments in the riverbed. An additional $5.1 million was allocated in September 2023 to National City, Chula Vista, and Caltrans to address an encampment in the Sweetwater River referred to as “The Jungle.”
In September, volunteers from the nonprofit San Diego River Park Foundation conducted a three-day census along the river, identifying 423 individuals residing between Ocean Beach and Santee.
Rob Hutsel, the CEO of the San Diego River Park Foundation, noted, “The population within our census area has increased in recent years, but we are starting to witness significant improvements as the $17 million Encampment Resolution Funding program is put into action. The positive impact is evident in Santee, and efforts are now underway in the city of San Diego. This progress is supported by the data we collect on the locations of homeless individuals.
“As we focus on sustainable solutions rather than mere displacement, we are optimistic about utilizing these funds for riverbed outreach and services.”
Following the relocation of individuals from the encampments, there is a need for additional cleanup to address the tons of trash and debris left behind.
