San Diego, California – The city of San Diego has confirmed that four individuals have tragically passed away at the city’s safe sleeping sites. These deaths come as the city works to expand housing options for the homeless population.
According to city spokesperson Matt Hoffman, the safety and well-being of those residing in the safe sleeping sites are top priorities. Regular wellness checks are conducted, and staff have implemented thorough procedures to ensure the safety of residents. The causes of death for the individuals remain unknown, but the city staff emphasized the code of conduct that residents must adhere to while staying at the safe sleeping sites.
Dreams for Change, an organization operating many of the safe sleeping sites in the city, expressed their commitment to preventing such incidents and ensuring the safety of all participants. While the deaths of homeless individuals are a reality faced by service providers, the organization remains focused on providing support to those in need.
City staff highlight the importance of the services offered at the safe sleeping sites, which serve as a lifeline for approximately 500 residents transitioning out of crisis-care situations. Residents have access to amenities such as meals, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, shuttle transportation, and basic medical care to help them stabilize and move towards securing permanent housing.
The safe sleeping sites have only been open for a week, and NBC 7’s Nicole Gomez is investigating how these new facilities are impacting the unsheltered population. The city continues to work towards expanding housing options and providing support to individuals experiencing homelessness, recognizing the critical need for safe and secure accommodations for those in need.