News Summary
The city of San Diego plans to shut down its Homelessness Response Center in East Village to make way for a 164-unit affordable housing complex. Sold to Father Joe’s Villages for $7.9 million, the construction will cost around $115 million. Although 1,700 individuals rely on the center monthly for vital services, the city is ensuring service continuity with plans for a new location expected by July 2025. Despite the imminent closure, officials emphasize the focus remains on addressing the ongoing housing crisis in the region.
San Diego Announces Closure of Homelessness Response Center for Housing Development
The city of San Diego is set to close its Homelessness Response Center located on Imperial Avenue in East Village, a facility that aids dozens of individuals seeking shelter and resources daily, to facilitate the construction of a 164-unit affordable housing complex. The city has agreed to sell the property to Father Joe’s Villages for $7.9 million, with total construction costs projected at $115 million. A City Council discussion on the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) between the city and non-profit 1401 Imperial LP is scheduled for May 20.
Impacts on Homeless Services
Currently, the Homelessness Response Center assists approximately 1,700 unhoused individuals each month, providing essential services such as access to benefits, food, clothing, mental health and substance abuse treatment referrals, and legal aid. Despite the center’s upcoming closure, city officials are committed to ensuring that there will be no interruptions in services. A new location for the center is being sought and is planned to open in July 2025, following budget cuts attributed to the smaller maintenance needs of a less extensive site.
Background on the Property and Housing Crisis
The property has been in city ownership since 2018 after it was purchased for $7.3 million. At that time, a 2022 city auditor report assessed the property at a significantly higher value of $15–$20 million based on previous evaluations. The city required that any redevelopment proposals for the site be solely for affordable housing, reflecting the increasing concern over housing accessibility in San Diego.
Over 10,600 individuals experienced homelessness in San Diego County in 2024, highlighting the need for additional affordable housing solutions. Despite the sale of the Homelessness Response Center, San Diego’s Economic Development Director affirmed the move is not related to the city’s $258 million budget deficit but is focused on addressing the persistent housing crisis affecting the region. The city had previously noted that the Imperial Ave. site was always intended to be a temporary arrangement as they explored more permanent solutions.
Future of Homeless Services in San Diego
As preparations for the center’s closure progress, city employees continue to search for a viable alternative location to continue providing critical services. The ongoing efforts are underscored by budget planning, as noted in Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which reduces funding for the operations at the current site.
The sale of the property and subsequent waste in discussions since 2023 reflects the city’s shifting priorities towards increasing the stock of affordable housing, which advocates emphasize is crucial considering the rampant housing crisis. The upcoming meetings on May 20 and the further proposal regarding a new location for the Homelessness Response Center on June 20 will allow for public comment and discussion, as stakeholders assess the transition process.
City officials and Deacon Jim Vargas, president of 1401 Imperial LP, anticipate a constructive dialogue during these discussions, with expectations that no significant obstacles will arise concerning the council’s approval of the proposal.
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Additional Resources
- CBS 8: Father Joe’s Villages Buys Former Indoor Skydiving Facility
- NBC San Diego: City Opens New Homeless Shelter for Young Adults
- Planetizen: San Diego Housing Assistance and Homelessness Programs Facing Major Cuts
- Google Search: San Diego Homelessness
- Governing: 18 Homelessness Programs Face Cuts in San Diego County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homelessness
