San Diego’s Homeless Shelter Crisis Deepens as Rosecrans Facility Closes, Leaving Thousands Unserved

San Diego is facing a worsening homeless shelter crisis following the recent closure of the Rosecrans Shelter, which had 150 beds for unhoused individuals. In May 2025, a staggering 2,216 requests for shelter beds were recorded, yet only 128 requests were met, resulting in a mere 6% placement rate for those in need. The closure of the Rosecrans Shelter has forced all homeless shelters in the area to stop accepting new clients in an effort to house those displaced by the shutdown.

The closure was initiated as part of the County’s demolition plans for a nearby building, which disrupted the utilities necessary for the shelter’s operations. Housing Commissioner Ryan Clumpner has stated that this closure will lead to an immediate increase in unsheltered individuals on the streets of San Diego.

Impact on Homeless Services

As a direct consequence of the Rosecrans Shelter’s closure, nine other shelters throughout the city have also suspended new admissions. Among these are well-known facilities including Father Joe’s Villages Shelter, Bishop Maher Center, and Bridge Shelters. With limited options available, many individuals who are vulnerable and in need of specialized services risk facing lower levels of care as they seek alternate placements, thereby complicating their route to permanent housing.

San Diego’s Mayor, Todd Gloria, announced in April 2025 that his administration would cease funding the Rosecrans Shelter due to an anticipated $258 million budget deficit for the current fiscal year and an expected deficit exceeding $300 million for the next. Mayor Gloria emphasized that addressing severe behavioral health issues falls under the County’s legal responsibilities.

Funding Challenges

County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer had sought to secure $800,000 to restore the shelter’s utilities, but Mayor Gloria declined to allocate funds for this purpose. As a result, the shutdown of the Rosecrans Shelter not only disrupted its direct services but created a ripple effect through the entire network of homeless shelters, leaving many in urgent need without support.

In addition, proposals from state lawmakers to eliminate the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program could exacerbate the situation, with the funding loss of approximately $14 million annually for San Diego. This move would eliminate 426 shelter beds and displace over 400 individuals currently housed, further threatening the stability of the region’s homeless services.

Future Initiatives

In response to the ongoing crisis, a new shelter called Rachel’s Promise Center for Women and Children is expected to open next week, offering 50 beds with plans to expand capacity up to 210 beds. This initiative aims to address the increasing rise of homelessness among women and children, a demographic that has been disproportionately affected by the current shelter shortage.

Bob McElroy, president of the nonprofit organization running the Rosecrans Shelter, expressed concerns regarding the loss of trust from shelter residents and the potential for chaos arising from the facility’s closure. With the County’s demolition plans potentially beginning as early as next March, the situation for San Diego’s homeless population is predicted to worsen.

The San Diego Housing Commission is currently seeking at least $500,000 to manage the challenges resulting from the closure by the end of August 2025. As the full ramifications of the Rosecrans Shelter’s closure unfold, community leaders continue to grapple with the implications for the city’s vulnerable populations.