San Diego has successfully cleared over 155,000 pounds of debris from a single homeless encampment along the San Diego River, highlighting the complexity and costliness of responding to homelessness when allowed to persist for years. The operation required a multi-million dollar state grant, with some of the funds now being used to assist former residents in obtaining and maintaining housing. Approximately 100 people were living at the site along the San Diego River.
City officials are now focusing their efforts on clearing other areas along the river before the rainy season, which threatens to wash away the trash and endanger individuals. Homelessness has been on the rise in the county for two and a half years, with an increase in encampments along riverbeds following San Diego’s camping ban.
The recent homeless encampment that was cleared was located under Interstate 5 near Sea World Drive and was known as “The Island.” The area consisted of several islands that fluctuated with the tides, featuring shacks made of wood and tarps. Many residents have accepted various forms of shelter, such as sober living facilities, hotel rooms, or tents at designated camping areas in San Diego.
The clean-up efforts were supported by a $17 million grant from the California Homeless Encampment Resolution Program, with various agencies in the region sharing the funds. While the total cost of the operation is not yet known, it could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The city had to use its own funds for the cleanup.
Overall, the operation reflects the ongoing challenge of addressing homelessness in San Diego and the efforts being made to support individuals experiencing homelessness in finding stable housing solutions.
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