Outreach

Outreach is a critical tool for ending homelessness. Outreach teams work to build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness. The teams use a person-centered, compassionate approach to resolve homelessness by offering services tailored to the specific needs of individuals.

The City of San Diego has several types of street-based outreach teams operating on a daily basis.

• The City's Coordinated Street Outreach Program has over 40 contracted-outreach workers throughout the City dedicated to responding to referrals and meeting the basic needs of those experiencing homelessness, while making connections to programs and services. This program includes Mobile Response Teams who are specialized in problem-solving and homelessness service system navigation and work with individuals identified as the most vulnerable to break down barriers and leverage resources. The program also includes Rapid Response Teams who provide immediate intervention and work to improve individuals’ sense of safety and help them meet their basic needs.  
• Downtown San Diego Partnership Family Reunification Program
• SDPD Neighborhood Policing Division's Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) includes officers who are dedicated to working with individuals experiencing homelessness. The purpose of HOT is to provide an alternative to enforcement for those who find themselves in need of assistance and are willing to accept help. HOT provides connections to various services including shelters, detox, substance abuse treatment and other supportive programs. 

Focused Street Outreach Events

The City of San Diego’s Coordinated Street Outreach Program often conducts focused outreach events in areas identified as having large congregations of people experiencing homelessness.

During the multi-agency events, outreach teams canvass an area to engage unsheltered folks and connect them to supportive services. Access to case management, health education, public benefits, mental health and substance abuse treatment, primary care referrals, and access to hygiene kits, transportation and basic essentials are all offered to people in the area.

Coordinated Intake Process

All outreach teams are connected to the Coordinated Intake System for referral to emergency shelters (or other services) in the City of San Diego. Learn more about the process to get someone access to services or shelter.