Funding for a proposal by two local businessmen to provide temporary housing for hundreds in the homeless community has been approved. But now the plan is hitting some snags.
Dan Shea and Peter Seidler announced Thursday they would fund two industrial-sized tents to house 500 people.
But the City of San Diego said the problem is finding a location for the tents and providing resources for the homeless community.
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s office said a homeless facility needs land and funding. But the city does not own any property that doesn't come with serious challenges.
Meanwhile, some locals said the city needs to find a long-term and short-term solution for the issue.
"They still deserve basic needs and necessities and I think it’s our job as citizens and the governments to help out with that," said Downtown San Diego resident Travis Enos.
"It’s 2017 and we still don’t have any long-term solution for the homelessness. So, for me that’s the frustrating thing. Why can’t we get our government to provide permanent solutions?" said Doug Mundt, a La Mesa resident.
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NBC 7 reached out to city councilmembers to see if they were interested in the proposal. While some said they had spoken with Shea and Seidler, other said they had not heard of the proposal.
In a statement, President and CEO Richard C. Gentry for the San Diego Housing Commission--which works with the issue of homelessness in the city--said:
"Private sector, philanthropic efforts are welcome and essential to identifying solutions to homelessness in the City of San Diego. More resources are needed to address homelessness, including short-term shelter and additional permanent housing with supportive services."
The San Diego City Council's Select Committee on Homelessness will meet on Monday to discuss whether to use Qualcomm Stadium or Golden Hall as temporary housing for the homeless.
However, Shea and Seidler’s tent proposal is not on the agenda.
