As San Diego faces the loss of hundreds of shelter beds before the end of the year, city leaders revealed plans to expand existing options and introduce a homelessness diversion effort to free up spaces.
The initiatives announced Monday are intended to add 363 beds to the city’s shelter system — a little more than half of the around 650 beds being taken out of inventory due to planned developments at Golden Hall, Father Joe’s Villages‘ Paul Mirabile Center and Rachel’s Promise Shelter, along with the scheduled closure of several temporary shelters.
On Dec. 1, 165 shelter beds will be available for single adult men, seniors 55 and older and veterans at the Veterans Village of San Diego campus. Additionally, San Diego Rescue Mission will add 37 beds, the Alcohol Use Disorder Shelter will add 56 and a former motel will be converted into a non-congregate shelter, adding 105 more beds.
“With hundreds of new beds at multiple sites, we are delivering on our commitment to ensure that no one who is currently sheltered will be sent back to the streets,” said Mayor Todd Gloria.