San Diego is set to double the number of available shelter beds for young adults in a significant move to address the escalating homelessness crisis in the region.
The new Safe STAY Wellness Center will provide 43 spots for transition-age youth, specifically targeting individuals between the ages of 18 and 24, with a particular focus on supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
Officials have announced plans to officially launch the program on April 25 in a renovated office building located downtown.
“Here, safety is more than a place to sleep,” said Cara Dessert, CEO of The Center, one of the three organizations responsible for operating the facility.
“It means being surrounded by people who see you, who respect you, and who affirm who you are.”
The growing homelessness issue in San Diego County has been evident, with an upsurge in cases reported almost every month since late 2021.
Current statistics indicate that there is an alarming shortage of shelter space for the increasing numbers of individuals seeking aid.
Last year’s point-in-time count highlighted nearly 900 homeless transition-age young people in the region, marking an increase of over 100 since 2023.
Prior to this initiative, the city of San Diego only had 21 beds available for this particular demographic, distributed across two temporary locations.
The newly established facility is situated on the first floor of a building near the San Diego City College trolley stop, which is owned by the San Diego Housing Commission.
Previously, the site had been used for staff meetings but had recently been left unoccupied.
Mayor Todd Gloria commended the housing commission for making this space available for such a critical need, stating, “There should be no unused space in the middle of a homelessness crisis.”
Inside the renovated building, private offices have been transformed to accommodate pairs of twin-sized beds.
Open areas have been segmented with thick, cubicle-like walls to create smaller private bedrooms, instead of traditional bunk beds in larger spaces.
The thoughtful design includes elements like new backpacks hanging from bedposts and baskets of toiletries resting on comforters.
A communal bookshelf was also stocked with games, reference manuals, and literature relating to the experiences of marginalized communities.
Officials mentioned that the design of the space was informed by feedback from young adults who have previously faced homelessness.
Features such as easily tape-able posters on the fiberglass walls allow for personal expression and privacy, permitting any resident to choose where to sleep without gender-specific areas.
Despite the progress, some sections of the facility remain under construction as washers and dryers are yet to be installed.
On a conference room whiteboard, an encouraging list of suggestions from potential residents included requests for additional mirrors to enhance the space.
The facility will be staffed by The Center, San Diego Youth Services, and YMCA Youth and Family Services, with an estimated 6 to 12 staff members present at all times, including overnight.
Staff will assist residents by connecting them with housing and other essential resources.
Some workers have already taken the initiative to prepare welcoming notes for future residents, with one hand-written greeting near the entrance stating, “Welcome to Safe STAY. We’re so glad you’re here!”
About half of the beds available are anticipated to be filled promptly by individuals currently residing in temporary sites, with officials expressing optimism that the remaining spots will quickly be occupied as well.
The annual cost of operating the shelter is projected to be around $1.9 million from the city budget, alongside $1.5 million in federal funding allocated for renovations.
Local leaders have credited U.S. Rep. Scott Peters for his role in securing this vital federal support.
However, Peters also raised concerns regarding the current political climate, warning that cuts to the federal workforce could hinder future support for vulnerable populations.
“Slashing these critical roles is irresponsible, doesn’t eliminate waste, and will only hurt the very people that the agency is supposed to serve,” he emphasized.
For more information on services, The Center can be contacted through email at housingservices@thecentersd.org or by calling 619-694-6182.
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