The City of San Diego has opened a new storage center for people experiencing homelessness. City Heights is now the third community to get such a site. Mayor Kevin Faulconer called the storage programs “the right thing to do."
At a press conference on Faulconer explained the connection between the city’s homeless problem and a new storage site.
“It’s really going to help people with their dignity and their freedom from their personal belongings, as well as help clear our community,” said Faulconer.
This newest site is located on a city-owned lot on Lea and 54th Streets. There are 50 storage bins available now but it has the capacity for 500.
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It’s being managed Mental Health System (MHS). MHS Vice President Sarah Nudel said her staff will be on-site to connect people to county services, “Which includes housing, which includes mental health treatment, medication, whatever it may be,” she said.
The Logan Heights’ site is also operated by MHS. The city said that site has reached capacity. Nudel said since the site opened, in June 2018, about 1000 people have used it. Nudel said about 100 of those people have been placed in permanent housing.
But some residents have been opposed to the Logan Heights center. They raised concerns about how close it is to Sherman Elementary School and about the center’s overall impact on the community. Nudel said security measures include increased police patrols.
“We really haven’t had any issues. People that come to this program are excited to utilize the services,” Nudel said.
The site also includes onsite restrooms and washing areas. The program is funded with state Homeless Emergency Aid Program or (HEAP) dollars.
