Intake for Expanded Safe Sleeping Program Expected to Begin Next Month

The city of San Diego is expanding its Safe Sleeping Program to bring the total available tents at two sites to about 760.

An additional 180 tent spaces have been created at the O Lot site, with 50 more being built at 20th and B streets. New intakes at the expanded Safe Sleeping sites are set to begin next month. 

The Safe Sleeping program is a shelter option providing individuals or couples with tents and cots, along with meals, transportation and supportive services, including attempts to link them with housing.

Safe Sleeping,. meant to help the growing number of people living in public encampments, was launched in June 2023. In some cases, outreach teams were able to bring entire encampments off the streets.

Each tent has space for up to two people, creating a new option for those who want to stay with a partner or caretaker. Participants are also welcome to bring pets. 

Expansion of the program, proposed in the city’s recently updated Comprehensive Shelter Strategy, is part of the plan to transition approximately 600 shelter beds at facilities that are expected to close or reduce occupancy over the next several months.

The nonprofit Dreams for Change operates the 20th and B site and part of the O Lot site, with the Downtown San Diego Partnership sharing responsibility at the O Lot. So far this calendar year, 118 participants have been connected to housing. 

“These sites are a lifeline to some who have been living on the streets for years and want a low-barrier option to begin the process to end their homelessness.” said Sarah Jarman, director of the city’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department.

Earlier this month the City Council voted to expand Safe Sleeping by nearly 50% overall. 

In fiscal year 2024, city-funded programs placed 1,677 people into secure, permanent or other forms of long-term housing, a 24% increase compared over the prior year.