SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — City Council members will consider two proposals to develop vacant city-owned properties into permanent housing for homeless veterans, seniors, and youth and young adults.
The two proposals, conditionally awarded development bids by the city, will also provide on-site supportive services.
One proposal by Community Housing Works’ includes building 26 units for chronically homeless youth and young adults on a .336-acre site at the former Serra Mesa Library. That proposal includes on-site case management by YMCA Youth and Family Services. Ideally, the development would open in August 2023.
The second proposal by San Diego Community Housing Corporation would turn the 1.42-acre Scripps Ranch Park and Ride site into 60 units for veterans and seniors. San Diego Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly would provide on-site services. That proposal aims to open in January 2024.
"After a comprehensive review, we determined that both organizations submitted well-qualified and responsive proposals," said Deputy Chief Operating Officer Erik Caldwell. "Now, we will work on presenting both proposals to the City Council, so construction on these vital permanent housing projects can commence as soon as possible."
The two proposals are in addition to two recent hotel purchases by the city to help homeless individuals transition into permanent housing. Last year, Mayor Kevin Faulconer announced that eight city properties would be offered up to develop into permanent supportive housing as well.
In 2019, San Diego's Community Action Plan on Homelessness identified the need to increase permanent supportive housing by 2,659 units within the next 10 years, with 60% of those units developed within the first four years.
A date hasn't been announced as to when the council will consider the two latest proposals.
