Council adopts rapid action plan to replace shelter beds, expands safe-sleeping and diversion programs

The City Council unanimously approved a short-term action plan directing the mayor's office, Housing Commission and relevant departments to replace approximately 614 shelter beds that will close in the coming months and to scale a mix of options—safe sleeping, safe parking, underutilized/repurposed beds, diversion and non-congregate options for seniors and families.

Deputy Chief of Staff Maya Rosas introduced the item and said the plan responds to an immediate capacity gap; Sarah Jarman (HSSD), Casey Snell (San Diego Housing Commission) and Tamara Koehler (Regional Task Force on Homelessness) described operational steps, stakeholder listening sessions, and available funding streams. "Since last week, we have been continuing conversations with different providers and anticipate being able to come back between late November and early December with actions for council consideration," SDHC staff said.

The plan prioritizes expanding safe sleeping and safe parking sites (adding capacity at two existing locations), exploring the conversion of underutilized shelter beds, and deploying diversion financial assistance targeted at people who can be rehoused quickly. The council directed staff to return with a status update by Dec. 10, 2024. The item drew both strong provider support (Father Joe's, PATH) for a diverse set of temporary options and vocal opposition from speakers who criticized specific safe-sleeping site conditions and urged immediate housing rather than tent-based shelters.

Council wrapped the short-term vote into a broader effort to coordinate rapid shelter options while continuing long-term housing production. "We wanted to bring this back as an action item because it's a rapidly evolving situation," the council president said; the motion passed 7'to'00.