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Board approves plan to explore emergency housing expansion for unhoused veterans
Summary
The board unanimously approved Supervisor Jim Desmond’s motion directing staff to develop a 90‑day feasibility pilot expanding regional housing assistance and adding shelter beds for veterans in unincorporated areas; supervisors said the county must tailor services to veterans’ needs while noting limited existing capacity.
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion June 11 to have county staff develop a feasibility plan and pilot program to expand emergency housing and services for unhoused veterans.
Supervisor Jim Desmond introduced the item, telling colleagues the county has made progress but must do more: “It’s unacceptable that we still have veterans in San Diego County sleeping on the streets,” he said. The motion requested a 90‑day feasibility study, options to expand the regional housing assistance program and proposals to add beds dedicated for veterans in the unincorporated county.
Several public speakers supported the motion. A caller said the measure is “a good idea” and urged officials to treat it as an opportunity to test cost‑effective housing models such as tiny homes or 3‑D printed housing. Supervisor Monica Montgomery Stepp said the county’s existing ARHAB program can provide a starting point and promised ongoing review of the county’s analysis. Vice Chair Lawson R. Reimer noted that because existing bed capacity is nearly full, prioritizing veterans could require carving out existing beds unless additional funding or capacity is identified.
The motion passed unanimously. Supervisors asked county staff to return with a feasibility pilot that would include program design, resource needs and a timeline. Board members emphasized tailoring placements to veterans’ needs — including behavioral health and case management — and called for coordination with nonprofit providers.
Several public commenters expressed skepticism about how homelessness programs have been run and urged different approaches, including using resident‑built tiny homes and outside financing. Others urged urgency and more stewardship of taxpayer funds.
The board’s action directs the chief administrative officer to work with service providers and report back with a proposal and funding options; staff will also assess whether existing regional programs can be adapted for a veterans‑focused pilot.
