El Cajon is the latest San Diego city to turn down state money for housing homeless residents. The city council voted against applying for state encampment resolution funds, citing concerns with the ‘housing first’ model, which prioritizes getting people into stable housing before addressing other needs like mental health and substance abuse.
Local Angle
Other San Diego cities, such as Oceanside and Carlsbad, have received state funding for homeless housing and have seen positive results. However, El Cajon and Encinitas have opted out, with Encinitas previously citing concerns with the ‘housing first’ model.
The Regional Task Force on Homelessness reported that 1,024 people became homeless in San Diego County in June, while 1,217 people exited homelessness. This marks a narrowing gap between the number of people becoming homeless and those finding housing.
Related Developments
In other local news, the Chula Vista City Council is considering a measure to increase councilmembers’ pay and add new lobbying disclosures. The city planning commission has also unanimously backed SeaWorld San Diego’s master plan update, with the caveat that they want to eliminate the fireworks shows.
Original reporting: Voice of San Diego — read the source article.
