San Diego City Wire

People experiencing homelessness in the Sweetwater Riverbed area have been given new opportunities for permanent housing. This development comes from a $5.1 million state grant and collaboration between several entities, including the County, the City of Chula Vista, National City, and the California Department of Transportation. These efforts have enhanced outreach to homeless individuals, increased transitions into housing, and provided regular clean-up activities.

The Sweetwater Riverbed is located in South County alongside Interstate 805 and is commonly referred to as "The Jungle." Relocating individuals from this area aims to provide safer, cleaner, and healthier living conditions along with a chance for a fresh start.

The grant originates from the state's $240 million Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF), designed to assist local jurisdictions in addressing encampments. This marks the second ERF grant awarded to the County's Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities for leading multi-agency initiatives in riverbed areas.

Since January, 91 individuals have moved from the San Diego Riverbed to emergency housing. In July, some began transitioning to permanent housing; within three months, 10 people successfully moved from emergency shelters to permanent homes.