Operation Shelter to Home

Overview

Operation Shelter to Home launched on April 1 by moving individuals already in shelters into the San Diego Convention Center to allow for proper physical distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Because the effects of the pandemic were creating staffing challenges at the City’s various shelters, the program centralized staff in one place to ensure personnel could be efficient even with limited numbers. On April 10, outreach staff began to bring in unsheltered individuals living on San Diego streets into the convention center to provide a safe and sanitary environment amid the pandemic.

By The Numbers (Updated March 19, 2021)

*Inconclusive/Indeterminant is a test that is unable to be determined as positive or negative due to lack of sample or the viral load was below the threshold. The two terms can be used interchangeably depending on the lab completing the analysis. 

**Incomplete is a test where identification of testee is missing or illegible.

Services

Operation Shelter to Home offers services similar to other shelters, including 24-hour security, meals, showers, bathrooms, laundry services, case managers and housing navigation. The County of San Diego provides mental and behavioral health services, healthcare and daily health screenings. The Convention Center has installed large projectors and Wi-Fi access for clients to have entertainment and full connectivity for work, school or other needs. 

Health & Safety Precautions

Testing began on April 16 as a preemptive move to identify asymptomatic residents, staff or volunteers who may be infected with the coronavirus but show little to no symptoms. The decision to test residents is another preventive step the City of San Diego, County of San Diego, San Diego Housing Commission, and Regional Task Force on the Homeless are taking to provide a safe environment for this highly vulnerable population.

Ongoing preventive measures being taken at the shelter include:

• Screening clients and staff daily at the convention center by temperature check and verbal questionnaire
• Washing and sanitization of hands upon each re-entry into the facility
• Wearing a face covering when moving about or leaving the convention center
• Prevention and safety announcements every two hours from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. over the PA system
• Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and the facility frequently
• Evaluating and isolating individuals exhibiting any symptoms of illness and transferring off-site if necessary
• Reinforce compliance among shelter residents and staff of wearing face coverings, practicing physical distancing and other safety precautions in the shelter using roaming staff

Positive Test Result

If a guest tests positive, they will be directed to an isolation area within the medical unit. A public health staff member will arrange transportation to one of the public health hotel rooms managed by San Diego County. While there, daily wellness checks and meals will be provided for the length of stay. They will remain at the off-site location until it is deemed safe for them to return to the shelter or be released to a permanent housing solution based on CDC guidelines. 

Negative Test Result

Everyone being tested will be advised of the public health guidance that a negative test is only a snapshot in time and steps must continue to be taken to avoid contracting COVID-19. All residents and staff continue to be monitored and screened daily for symptoms as well as instructed to follow all health and hygiene practices.

How can I get help or help someone in need? 

If it is an emergency, please call 9-1-1 immediately. For non-emergencies, you can call 2-1-1 or visit 211sandiego.org. 

The San Diego Convention Center may not be the appropriate option for all individuals. Coordinated outreach teams are engaging with people on the streets to offer them shelter best fit for their condition, whether it be at the convention center, a motel room or another option. 

This type of intake is similar to the approach used when City bridge shelters were first opened in 2017. It follows proven practices local agencies use to engage unsheltered homeless individuals. 

NOTE: At this time, the convention center is not doing intake on-site.

Connect someone to City of San Diego Homeless Outreach Teams

619-446-1010 HOT@pd.sandiego.gov

Outside of the City of San Diego

To connect individuals located outside of the City of San Diego, it is recommended to engage with the homeless outreach workers or service providers operating where the client currently resides. There may already be resources and options available to serve clients where they are instead of uprooting them from their known service system. You can also call 2-1-1 for additional assistance. 

Housing the Homeless

One of the core missions of Operation Shelter to Home is to find permanent housing for individuals. Case managers and housing navigators are focused on identifying the most appropriate exit strategy for shelter clients and working to end their cycle of homelessness, with the goal of ultimately reducing the number of individuals experiencing homelessness in San Diego.

Landlord Engagement and Assistance Program (LEAP)

Help San Diego's homeless through the San Diego Housing Commission's Landlord Engagement and Assistance Program (LEAP).

With rental homes that already exist in the market, landlords provide the best opportunity to quickly move individuals and families out of shelters and into a home of their own. Help San Diego's homeless by joining the San Diego Housing Commission's Landlord Engagement and Assistance Program (LEAP). The program provides landlords financial incentives while they may be experiencing economic challenges of their own due to COVID-19. 

Learn more about LEAP

Lead Agencies