San Diego Considers New Sites for Homeless Shelters Amid Growing Crisis

San Diego leaders are exploring potential locations to establish homeless shelters as the city faces a looming crisis.
New Suggestions
Following concerns raised by council members about converting an empty warehouse into a large shelter, the homelessness strategies and solutions department has received alternative proposals.
City Council Response
At least six council members have suggested various sites, including a gym near Balboa Park and a motel in Pacific Beach, which are now under review. These options will be presented to the council on Sept. 24 to address the strain on San Diego's shelter system.
Urgent Decisions
With over 700 shelter beds at risk of closure by January, decisions need to be made swiftly to accommodate the increasing homeless population. The city is also planning to issue a Request For Information to explore additional properties for shelter purposes.
Councilmember Recommendations
Councilmember Joe LaCava proposed several sites in northern coastal areas, including the potential use of Motel San Diego and a trailer park for shelter and safe parking.
Expanding Options
Councilmember Raul Campillo identified a lot in Mission Valley for safe parking and suggested leasing a large warehouse in the Morena neighborhood to provide additional beds.
Balboa Park Shelter
Council President Sean Elo-Rivera recommended using the Balboa Park Activity Center as a temporary shelter and supported other innovative solutions such as utilizing the Central Elementary School campus for safe parking.
Reimagining Spaces
Councilmember Stephen Whitburn advocated for redeveloping the Old Central Library downtown into a shelter and affordable housing complex to address the housing needs of homeless individuals.
Citywide Efforts
City officials, including the Independent Budget Analyst, have explored various options, including converting hotel rooms into shelters and repurposing industrial sites for temporary housing. Despite challenges in real estate searches, there is a collaborative effort to find suitable locations amidst the growing homelessness crisis in San Diego.