Windsor Point facility faces backlash over veteran housing and safety concerns

The City of Carlsbad City Council meeting on January 14, 2025, featured a heated discussion regarding the Windsor Point homeless facility, which is intended to serve veterans. A council member raised concerns about the facility's current operations, stating that it has not fulfilled its original promise to prioritize veterans. Currently, only six veterans reside in the facility, which has a total of 50 apartments. This means that veterans make up only 12% of the residents, far below the expected 100%.

The council member expressed frustration that the facility has begun to accept non-veteran homeless individuals from other parts of San Diego County, while local homeless veterans remain without assistance. They highlighted the plight of homeless individuals living nearby, emphasizing that the facility is not serving its intended purpose.

Concerns were also raised about the criteria used to define a veteran under the "No Place Like Home" policy, which allows individuals with as little as 90 days of military service to be classified as veterans. The speaker argued that this broad definition could lead to support being given to individuals who do not fit the profile of those who have served honorably.

Additionally, the council member reported alarming incidents at the facility, including five deaths that may be linked to the presence of drug dealers and individuals with criminal backgrounds among the residents. They claimed that the facility has become a dangerous environment, with reports of drug-related activities and threats to residents' safety.

The discussion also touched on the lack of promised security measures at the facility, with neighbors reportedly not seeing any security presence for months. The council member concluded by expressing hope that the city would address these issues and fulfill its commitment to support veterans effectively.

The meeting underscored ongoing challenges in managing homeless services and the need for accountability in ensuring that facilities like Windsor Point serve their intended populations.