Delivering on the commitment to increase shelter options for people experiencing homelessness, the City of San Diego is expanding its successful Safe Sleeping Program. An additional 180 tent spaces have been created at the O Lot site, and 50 more being built at the 20^th & B location. The increase will bring the total Safe Sleeping program capacity to approximately 760 tents.  

The Safe Sleeping program is a low-barrier sheltering option providing individuals or couples tents with cots; meals; transportation; and housing navigation and other supportive services across the two sites located on City property near Balboa Park. Participants are also welcome to bring their pets. 

“Safe Sleeping has proved to be a popular option for people who were once resistant to leaving street encampments, which are unsanitary and dangerous for those living in them and also harmful to the community,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “This expansion will allow more people to begin the process of ending their homelessness through onsite supportive services in a more stable environment.” 

Safe Sleeping, launched by Mayor Gloria and Councilmember Stephen Whitburn to address the growing number of people living in unsafe street encampments, was implemented in June 2023 and enabled outreach teams to bring entire encampments off the streets. Each tent has space for up to two people, creating a new option for those who want to stay with a partner or caretaker.  

Expanding Safe Sleeping was proposed in the recently updated Comprehensive Shelter Strategy and is part of the plan to transition approximately 600 shelter beds at facilities anticipated to close or reduce occupancy over the next several months. New intakes at the expanded site are set to begin next month. 

“Safe Sleeping sites have reduced street homelessness because they are a safer, healthier, more desirable alternative to living on the sidewalk,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn. “Expanding these sites provides places for more people to stabilize and begin getting back on their feet and into permanent housing.” 

The nonprofit Dreams for Change operates the 20^th & B site and part of the O Lot site, with the Downtown San Diego Partnership also managing programs at the O Lot site. So far this calendar year, 118 program participants have been connected to housing. 

“These sites are a lifeline to some who have been living on the streets for years and want a low-barrier option to begin the process to end their homelessness.” said Sarah Jarman, Director of the City’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department. “We thank Dreams for Change and the Downtown San Diego Partnership for their commitment to providing these vital services.” 

Earlier this month the City Council voted to expand Safe Sleeping by nearly 50% overall. 

In fiscal year 2024, City-funded programs placed 1,677 people into secure permanent or other forms of long-term housing, a 24% increase compared to FY23. This is due in large part to the expansion of emergency shelter options.