Supervisor Calls for Expansion of Homeless Program That Kept Nearly 600 People Off Streets ...Middle East

Data-driven strategies may be the most effective, and cost-efficient, ways of reducing homelessness in San Diego County, Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer said Thursday.

At a news conference Thursday, she shared data after a year of the Homeless Diversion Program, which has helped 597 people find homes.

“For too long, our homelessness response has been focused on managing the problem instead of solving it,” said Lawson-Remer, acting chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We changed that by investing in a smarter approach – one that stops homelessness before it starts.”

NEWS>>> New regional data from RTFH shows that in January 1,216 people fell into homelessness and entered the system for the first time compared to 1,025 people who exited the system and were placed into housing. In December, 903 people fell into homelessness and entered the… pic.twitter.com/zW33iUAhMq

“Diversion works. It keeps people housed, saves taxpayers money and helps turn the tide on homelessness. The time to act is now.”

Around 45% of the year’s expenditures went to short-term rental assistance, 35% for security deposits and 9% for short-term hotel stays. It was started with a $1.5 million in funding, including $350,000 from the county.

“We made a smart investment in Homeless Diversion, and today the data confirms that it’s paying off,” Lawson-Remer said. “This program is keeping people housed, delivering real results and showing exactly how we can reduce homelessness in San Diego. Now, we need to expand it.”

Since the program launched in January 2024, it has helped support 489 households at an average cost of just $3,150 per household – or about $1,660 per person, according to county data.

The program works by offering “rapid, one-time financial assistance” such as a security deposit, short-term rental support, or a car repair.

In December, for the first time since March 2022, more San Diegans found housing than became homeless the prior month, marking a small milestone in addressing the homelessness crisis.

Lawson-Remer attributed this improvement in part to the diversion program, which accounted for 9% of all people who found homes across the region that month.

In November, 894 people became homeless and entered the system for the first time compared to 950 people who exited the system and were placed in housing, according to the Regional Task Force on Homelessness.

The number of homeless in San Diego County increased by around 20% between 2022 and 2023, but a less dramatic increase in the city of San Diego, around 4%, was recorded in last year’s count.

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