City's Winter Homeless Shelter Program Ending
Shelter Operators Working to Transition Residents to Other Programs, Resources

SAN DIEGO - The City of San Diego begins the shutdown of the 2003-2004 Winter Homeless Shelter Program March 15 with the closing of the Newton Avenue site for single adults. The veterans' shelter site, in the Midway District, and the family shelter will be closing March 17. Each will begin transitioning residents out of each facility over the next three days. All the programs will work with housing resource providers to facilitate entrance into emergency shelters, transitional programs, permanent housing, or sober living residences.

The 2003-2004 Winter Homeless Shelter Program marks the 17th consecutive year the City of San Diego has assisted the homeless during the coldest months of winter. The program provided meals, shelter, and social services including medical and mental health attention to 400 homeless San Diegans each night.

This year the shelters were located at three sites, each with its own social service operator. Although the final figures are not available until after the sites close, based on preliminary reports from each site, the following profiles emerge.

Vietnam Veterans of San Diego (VVSD) served up to 150 veterans each night in the Midway/Sports Arena area. Approximately 400 unduplicated male clients accessed a variety of veteran program services through the VA Hospital, as well as community and agency provided services. Most are considered chronically homeless in that they routinely live on the street. It is estimated that 35% are experiencing PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) symptoms and other mental health issues, 12% have physical disabilities and 22% self-report substance dependencies. The average stay is projected to be 45 days.

Alpha Project for the Homeless served as many as 200 single adults nightly on Newton Avenue and 16th Street. Approximately 535 unduplicated clients received services at this site from community, County and agency providers. Approximately 25% of those staying in the shelter are women. Fifty-seven 57% are estimated to be between 31 and 50 years old with 5% being 62 or older. An average of 68% is expected to report some type of disability. Most are considered to be chronically homeless with a combination of mental illness and substance dependency issues. The average stay is projected to be 34 days.

The San Diego Rescue Mission provided emergency overnight accommodations for an average of 34 women and their children per night at their 16th and National Street facility. Although the clients receive a variety of services, in general, the stay for most families was short because it is not a 24-hour program and the clients must leave during the day. This will be the last program operated by the Rescue Mission at that location. They have relocated all their programs to their new First and Elm Street location.

"During this year's program we believe there was a slight increase in the number of older clients within the homeless population served (12% over 62 years old). An average of 50% in the programs self-report disabilities. Approximately 6% of the clients were using wheelchairs. The other disabilities include mental illness, substance abuse and physical disabilities," said Kim Pearson-Brown, Coordinator of the City of San Diego's Homeless Services Program. "It is gratifying to know the City was able to make an impact on the lives of these people, even if only for a short time."

In addition to services provided by shelter operators, the City of San Diego and the County's Health and Human Services Agency, along with a number of other agencies, this year's service level is expected to be over 1,000 hours of supportive services, including medical and mental health care, employment and housing fairs, and substance abuse recovery programs. There have also been various donations of clothing, books, hygiene products, and personal care items from the community. The total operating cost for the 2003-2004 Winter Homeless Shelter Program was $497,025, with funds from the City's General Fund, Council District designated funds, Housing Commission, Community Development Block Grant and State Emergency Shelter Grant.

To find out how to make contributions or volunteer to help the homeless in San Diego, visit the City's web site at www.sandiego.gov/cpci. For additional information on City of San Diego's Homeless Services Program, contact the Community and Economic Development Department at (619) 236-5990.

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