Board OKs reallocated ARPA money for Troy Street sleeping cabins after Lemon Grove approval
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Summary
Supervisors approved reallocating $4.37 million from a paused Willow Road RV parking project to a Troy Street sleeping‑cabins project expected to host about 60 cabins and serve roughly 140 people annually, with supervisors stressing on‑site security and wraparound services.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors on May 20 approved reallocation of $4.368 million in regional homelessness assistance funds to the Troy Street sleeping cabins project in Lemon Grove.
Supervisor Montgomery Stepp, who co‑authored the board letter with Supervisor Anderson, said the cabins will provide non‑congregate, emergency shelter that county staff and the city of Lemon Grove expect to serve older adults, veterans, women and people experiencing chronic homelessness. Montgomery Stepp told the board the program is designed to be a “stepping stone” to permanent housing.
Supervisor Anderson said ARHAP (the Regional Homeless Assistance Program) has a track record of moving people into permanent housing and noted the urgency because ARHAP funding is expected to be exhausted in coming years. Anderson said the program provides services and case management designed to increase exits from homelessness into permanent housing.
Supervisor Desmond asked staff to confirm there would be 24/7 on‑site operator staffing and security at the site; county staff confirmed the facility operator and contracted security will be on site 24/7 and that applicants go through screening and must opt in to participate.
Board action: Supervisor Montgomery Stepp moved the item and Supervisor Anderson seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The board letter directs the county to reallocate ARHAP funds to support the Troy Street sleeping cabins project and to continue coordination with Lemon Grove and service providers to stand up the non‑congregate shelter.
Public comment included both opponents — who raised proximity concerns near schools and questions about what populations would be admitted — and supporters who urged the board to preserve shelter capacity and noted past ARHAP success in helping people transition to permanent housing.