San Diego City Wire

The Emergency Temporary Lodging Program, established to support those affected by the January flooding in San Diego County, will conclude tomorrow. This initiative was a joint effort between the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, and other local cities and community partners to provide safe housing for residents whose homes were damaged.

“Thousands of San Diegans faced the devastating aftermath as floodwaters tore through their homes on Jan. 22,” said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “In the wake of this disaster, our immediate focus was on providing essential shelter and support. Collaborating closely with the Red Cross, Community-Based Organizations, and local municipalities, together we mobilized to open shelters, yet the needs persisted far beyond initial expectations.”

Recognizing the ongoing impact on families, Chairwoman Vargas added, “Many of those affected required ongoing assistance, prompting the County to launch the Emergency Temporary Lodging Program in early February. This initiative ensured displaced families had access to temporary accommodations, meals, and crucial mental health services.”

Chairwoman Vargas worked to secure a Presidential Emergency Declaration that brought federal and state resources to the County. These included financial assistance from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Additionally, more than $33.7 million was approved for community recovery efforts.

As the program ends, many storm victims still need help repairing their homes or finding new places to live. The County has collaborated with local community-based organizations and other partners to develop a transition plan for residents in need of further assistance.

“No San Diegan should become homeless or permanently displaced from their community as a result of a natural disaster,” said San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera. “Building upon $4.2 million in financial support from the County of San Diego, San Diego City Council has authorized an additional $3 million to support those who need assistance.”

Families in need can apply for help online at floodassistance.sdhc.org or contact relevant authorities via phone or email.

Lisa Jones, President and CEO of the San Diego Housing Commission stated: “Thanks to investments from both the County and City of San Diego, we have launched a three-pronged program assisting hundreds of displaced families.” The program provides financial aid for eligible families from the Emergency Temporary Lodging Program while helping them find new homes or repair existing ones.

National City Housing Authority received over $360,000 in County funds for resident support. Assistance can be requested by contacting their office directly.

David Estrella from Housing and Community Development Services mentioned: “We have been working individually with each household from our jurisdiction in ensuring everyone has a place to go.”

County Chief Administrative Officer Ebony Shelton commented: “The Jan. 22 storms were an historical event that required an innovative approach to help residents recover.” She assured continued collaboration with various partners for future emergencies.

At its peak, over 2,200 people across nearly 900 households were supported by this program with hotel rooms and essential services.

District Four Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe remarked: “The Emergency Temporary Lodging Program exemplified a shared commitment during challenging times... I remain committed to ongoing recovery efforts.”

For more information about storm recovery efforts visit AlertSanDiego.org/Recovery.