San Diego County’s Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities announced it secured $30 million to address homelessness, provided housing options for over 4,400 people, and worked to support immigrant and refugee communities in its first year of operation.
During a Tuesday board meeting, the department updated the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on its achievements since its creation on July 2021 throughout its homeless solutions, equitable communities, and immigrant and refugee affairs offices.
Also on Tuesday, the County Board of Supervisors accepted a $2 million allocation of Afghan refugee supplemental funding from the California Department of Social Services. San Diego County is one of four to receive this allocation.
Officials with the department said it will continue to secure funding to help vulnerable and underserved communities in the region.
Barbara Jimenez, the department's community operations officer, said the agency was “able over the last year to make a positive impact, ensure equity and connect thousands of San Diegans to housing and other essential resource.''
In the past year, department officials secured $8 million for its Housing Disability Advocacy Program to provide help, housing, and legal support to disabled people who are also homeless. The agency also secured $6 million under Proposition 47 to help people at risk of homelessness who have gone through the justice system or are dealing with mental health or substance use issues.
According to the report, the department has participated in nearly 100 events, connecting over 4,600 people to County services. The department’s office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs worked with First 5 San Diego to successfully apply for a $423,000 First 5 California Refugee Family Support Grant and has worked to engage and connect migrants, immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees to resources.
“While much remains to be done, we are confident that our team is poised to continue its efforts to ensure equity in delivering necessary services and help to underserved communities,'' Jimenez added.
