Following through on its commitment to bring people off the streets and connect them to services and housing, the City of San Diego is leveraging state grant funding to help people experiencing homelessness get into housing and stay there.

Today the City announced it will allocate $4.4 million for the Supportive Services and Temporary Housing Financial Assistance Program, through a contract with the nonprofit National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) San Diego. The funding - made possible through two California Encampment Resolution Fund grant awards - will help at least 131 people currently living along Interstate 15, near City Heights and the San Diego River, as they transition out of encampments and into long-term housing. 

“Housing ends homelessness, and this funding will help us ensure that people don’t just get off the streets but stay in stable housing long-term,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “With this grant, we’re able to meet people where they are and provide tailored support—whether that’s rental assistance, medical fees, or other services—to help them regain their independence and thrive. Programs like this are how we’re turning the tide on homelessness.” 

The City has previously used similar state grant funding to provide housing resources and address encampments along E Street in Downtown San Diego, near East Village. Ten months after extensive cleanup and outreach efforts were completed in that location, 63 people are still in either permanent or long-term housing.  

The Supportive Services and Temporary Housing Financial Assistance Program may include housing placement, advocacy, mediation, self-sufficiency services and other measures to promote coordination of care and housing retention. In addition, it will provide individuals with rental assistance, temporary housing financial assistance, and security deposit payment assistance. The grant can help pay for other costs including funding set aside to cover permanent housing application fees, utility deposits, or appropriate clothing or auto repairs to maintain employment.    

“Securing housing is the ultimate goal, but often times that is not the end of the story,” said Sarah Jarman, Director of the City’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department. “We’re not connecting someone to housing and then walking away. These supportive services will allow us to ensure we do everything possible so that people remain in stable housing.” 

The City has received three Encampment Resolution Fund grant awards from the state of California. These funds provide dedicated, ongoing financial assistance to ensure a stable home is found for people living in the encampments. In addition to housing, the outreach efforts provide a compassionate blend of supportive services and diversion programs, helping individuals end their homelessness.