Addressing homelessness is one of my top priorities. Every single day, we are getting people off the street, connected to services and on a path to securing permanent housing.  

A Historic Step Forward: San Diego's Largest Homeless Shelter

In a bold and unprecedented move to address homelessness, my administration has unveiled plans for the City’s most ambitious long-term shelter project yet. 

A proposed shelter at Kettner Boulevard and Vine Street would provide a critical lifeline for 1,000 people experiencing homelessness, offering them not just a roof over their heads, but a pathway to care and permanent housing. 

Located in the Middletown community, the 60,000-square-foot facility will have comprehensive support for residents, including security, meals, housing navigation, case management, showers, restrooms, a commercial kitchen, laundry facilities, and spaces for dining and recreation. 

At my State of the City Address in January, I pledged to substantially boost our city's efforts on homelessness by adding 1,000 new shelter beds this year. This plan delivers on that promise, marking a huge stride toward addressing one of San Diego’s most pressing challenges. 

The proposed 35-year lease agreement for this property will go to the City Council’s Land Use and Housing Committee on April 18. I encourage everyone who’s been pushing for more solutions to solving this crisis to write to your councilmember or attend the hearing and voice your support.    

As Mayor, I remain committed to leaving no stone unturned and using every resource available to ensure no San Diegan is left on our streets. I believe I can reach this ambitious goal with solution-oriented San Diegans standing by my side.  

Read more on Inside San Diego.

More Innovative Solutions in the Fight Against Homelessness: The H Barracks Safe Parking Site

With the proposed Kettner & Vine shelter in mind, our vision for use of H Barracks has come into sharper focus. 

After months of community engagement and analysis of our greatest needs in our broader shelter system, we have decided to move forward with a new Safe Parking Program at the City-owned site near the airport. 

The site will provide a safe place to stay for about 200 unhoused people and families who are currently living in their vehicles, significantly expanding this vital service to many people who are experiencing homelessness for the first time. 

The Safe Parking program offers meals, bathrooms and supportive services to help people end their homelessness. The H Barracks site is an ideal location for the program. 

This approach not only acknowledges the immediate need for shelter, but also addresses the broader goal of connecting individuals to long-term housing solutions, support services, and the resources necessary to regain stability. 

This move will also significantly enhance our ability to enforce the Vehicle Habitation Ordinance effectively, ensuring that our streets and neighborhoods remain safe and accessible for all San Diegans. 

By nearly doubling the capacity of our City’s Safe Parking Program, H Barracks marks a substantial leap forward in our comprehensive strategy to combat homelessness, which includes outreach, shelter, housing solutions, enforcement, and access to mental health and substance abuse treatment. 

The H Barracks Safe Parking site exemplifies our dedication to creative, actionable solutions in the face of our city's homelessness challenge. It's a clear demonstration of our belief that every piece of city land should be leveraged to benefit our community, especially during times of crisis. 

Together with the Kettner and Vine proposal, our plan for H Barracks underscores our dedication to turning the tide on homelessness in our city.

A Milestone for Housing: Nestor Senior Village Opens Its Doors

The grand opening of Nestor Senior Village marks a significant moment in our city's journey towards building more housing that all San Diegans can afford. 

Thanks to National CORE and all partners involved for bringing this affordable housing project for aging adults to life.  

Since the start of my tenure, we've made considerable strides in providing temporary solutions, but it's permanent, supportive homes like these that offer a lasting pathway out of homelessness. It's clear—housing ends homelessness.  

I'm particularly proud of the City's contribution to this project, including housing vouchers from our Housing Commission, a $3.3 million loan from the Housing Commission sourced from City funds, and $1.2 million in Development Impact Fee relief. Our efforts underscore our City’s proactive approach in supporting housing development. 

All our efforts, from the Housing Action Packages to the Bridge to Home program and beyond, are designed to speed up the construction of affordable homes, while simultaneously removing any barriers to building. 

Nestor Senior Village, with its 73 new homes for our most vulnerable aging adults, is a prime example of what we can achieve when the private and public sectors come together.  

I look forward to the many more ribbon-cuttings that will signify our progress in ensuring every San Diegan can put a roof over their head at a price they can afford.   

Caring for Companions: San Diego's Pet-Friendly Homeless Support 

At least twice a month, the City hosts resource fairs to connect people experiencing homelessness with various services that can help them end their homelessness.

Among the nonprofit partners at these events are Project Street Vet and The Animal Pad Dog Rescue, which offer free medical and supplies for pets at our ongoing care events. At a recent event at Morley Field, people were able to stop by to get their dogs and cats food, toys and any needed vaccinations.

Earlier this year, Councilmember Stephen Whitburn proclaimed Feb. 20 “Dr. Kwane Stewart Day” to honor the Project Street Vet leader. The proclamation underscores how much we value our partnership with these helpful animal care providers.