San Diego's $1.1M Homelessness Diversion Push

0:00San Diego County's Board of Supervisors is eyeing a $1.1 million contract with the San Diego Housing Commission to fund a regional program aimed at keeping folks from hitting the streets. This diversion effort would redirect people on the brink of homelessness to stable spots before they lose their housing using proven strategies that work fast. Homelessness in the region dipped 7% last year down to 9905 people according to the latest count. The first time we're housing more folks than we're losing, about 1,187 people per month getting placed, versus 1,189 falling in for the first time. Rising rents and living costs are squeezing working families hard, making that line between housed and unhoused, razor thin. But programs like this diversion push are flipping the script, putting resources where they cow most without needing new taxpayer dollars or extra. Staff The cash comes from reshuffling funds in the county's building partnerships program,

1:01which previously bought emergency sleeping cabins, one-third, targeted at unincorporated areas. The housing commission brings the experience, networks with 20 providers, and ties to partners like the city of San Diego, plus foundations, including Cushman, Jewish community, pre-B's, and San Diego. County leaders say philanthropic backers are ready to chip in too, scaling this up quick. The board takes it up Tuesday at 9 a.m. As agenda item 15 could be a gain-changer if it lands. Stay informed with California news today, AI-powered updates.