A City Wide Cleanup: Homeless Removal along San Diego’s highways
San Diego is a very urban city, and with a homeless population that exceeds 10,000 people, it becomes difficult to find a place for everyone to stay. Many stay near our highway system, under onramps, overpasses, or simply on the side of a highway. Apart from this being extremely dangerous, these encampments also damage the environment around or highway as they produce a ton of trash. Luckily, the City of San Diego has been working with Cal Trans over the past few months to relocate these individuals to shelters, and the progress has been impressive. Lets take a look at the movement, and what it holds for the future of San Diego.
Whats Happened
The City of San Diego and Cal Trans, short for the California Department of Transportation, have recently agreed to a deal allowing city crews to clear homeless encampents along highways in around Downtown San Diego. This region includes the 5, 805, and 163. Since the first 90 days of this deal, over 183 encampments have been broken up, over 151 tons of garbage has been removed. 43 people have been connected to sheleters, and many more have accepted a different form of assistance.
Where will they go?
With over 183 encampments being broken up, it is only natural to wonder where these people will now go. Luckily, the city crews have been working hand in hand with local outreach workers who have been assisting these individuals, and many have been relocated to shelter programs within the cities. The rest have been given other assistance, wether that be food services, cloth services, or even employment opportunities.
future Impacts
This city wide movement marks an increased focus on San Diegos homeless population. Hopefully, the cities decreasing homeless population trend can continue, and with efforts like this, San Diego might solve its homelessness problem once and for all.