The city of San Diego is exploring the possibility of converting another privately owned building into a long-term shelter for the homeless, following the failure of a controversial plan to use a vacant warehouse near the airport last week. City council members are considering the option of leasing or purchasing a three-story office building near Little Italy, estimating that the site could be ready within a year.
This decision comes after the rejection of two other city-owned properties for shelter use due to the high cost of renovations. The ongoing shortage of shelter beds has led to only 1 in 10 requests being successful, with many existing programs at full capacity. Mayor Todd Gloria recently abandoned a plan to use a warehouse as a shelter after facing legal and environmental concerns, prompting the search for alternative solutions.
The proposed building on Second Avenue, described as a 25,740 square foot space, is a potential option for the new shelter. Renovations are estimated to cost less than $2 million, making it a more cost-effective choice compared to other larger properties that require millions of dollars in upgrades.
In addition to the new shelter, the city is also considering expanding the Veterans Village of San Diego campus and replacing the Rachel’s Promise shelter facility with a larger facility in partnership with Catholic Charities. These efforts are part of ongoing initiatives to address the homelessness crisis and provide safer and more stable housing options for those in need.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
