After decades of indecision, funding shortages and outright neglect, the San Diego region's homelessness problems are getting a greater level of attention from the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
The “displaced” community is seeing better coordination, innovation among the programs, and expansion of “outreaches” beyond downtown.
But there are still tactical "cleanup" and police "enforcement actions” under way -- as Major League Baseball's All-Star Game festivities will attract coast-to-coast attention playing out at Petco Park in East Village next month.
“Certainly I think there's a lot of people who are applauding it, and saying 'yes, let's move people out,'" says Michael McConnell, a leading advocate on homelessness issues. “But what's short-sighted about that, is what's going on will simply lead to more homelessness."
And the numbers are still growing, even though more money than ever is being invested in medical and “wrap-around” social services, rehabilitation programs, shelters, transitional, and permanent housing.
The County of San Diego is allocating $35 million over two years for mental health initiatives.
The state of California will spread around $400 million in the fiscal year starting July 1st.
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But is this area becoming a magnet for refugees from Skid Rows in other cities?
Local surveys indicate only 1 in 4 transients have migrated here.
A comprehensive study recently was conducted by the Veterans Administration, with surprising results.
"They've found that only 15 percent of folks who used VA services during a two-year period migrated,” says Lisa Halverstadt, who’s written extensively on homeless issues for Voice of San Diego. “And in fact San Diego, the region that includes it, actually saw a net loss in folks through migration."
Meantime, San Diego may be in line for increased funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The city's HUD grants under a 1970s-era formula rank only 23rd, even though it has the 5th largest homeless population.
Given feedback on lobbying efforts aimed at HUD Secy. Julian Castro by U.S. Rep. Scott Peters (D-50th) and Mayor Kevin Faulconer, officials are optimistic about San Diego getting a fairer share.
“Changing the funding formula could position San Diego to receive millions more federal dollars each year,” Faulconer told reporters this week. “This is a major step in the right direction.”
