San Diego Riverbed Sees 23% Drop in People Experiencing Homelessness This Year
The latest census by the San Diego River Park Foundation reveals a significant decline in the homeless population living along the San Diego Riverbed, with 195 people counted this month—a decrease of nearly 23 percent compared to the same time last year.
This developing change comes amid intensified efforts by the Foundation’s Clean River Program, which focuses on daily outreach and cleanup operations along the riverbank stretching from Ocean Beach to Santee. Program Manager Rachel Downing credits the reduction to consistent engagement with unhoused individuals connecting them to vital services and removing trash that threatens the river’s ecosystem.
“If we want a healthy river, we have to make sure that nobody’s living down here and disposing of their waste down here,” said Downing. “However, we understand that everybody experiencing homelessness is living in a different situation, and they deserve our respect because they’re part of our community.”
Support Services and Housing Drive Progress
Among the key partners assisting in the effort is PATH (People Assisting The Homeless), which maintains a daily presence in the riverbed to help connect residents with housing opportunities. Jayna Lee, PATH’s Associate Director of Programs, reports that over the past year, PATH has successfully helped 71 people secure permanent housing, with many more placed in temporary shelters.
“To bring that number down, we’re moving people out and getting them into the right places,” Lee said. Yet, she cautioned that the counts may not capture everyone, as new unhoused individuals move in and out of the area year-round.
Why This Matters Now
The decrease in people living in the riverbed offers a glimpse of progress amid a statewide and national homelessness crisis. The health of the San Diego River is directly linked to these efforts—less human waste and debris protect local wildlife and water quality.
For citizens and policymakers in California and beyond who watch for effective models to address homelessness and environmental health, the San Diego River Park Foundation’s approach stands out as a potential blueprint.
With local elections approaching in November, when San Diego County voters will also consider governance reforms, this data could influence leaders’ decisions on resource allocation to combat homelessness and improve public spaces.
Looking Ahead
The Foundation will continue regular censuses and outreach activities, aiming to sustain momentum in reducing unsheltered populations and maintaining the river’s health. Service providers like PATH plan to expand housings supports as part of their ongoing response.
Residents of Nevada and the broader US can watch closely for updates and potential adaptations of these outreach programs within their communities, especially in urban areas grappling with similar challenges.
This progress signals a hopeful, ongoing commitment to tackle homelessness while preserving critical environmental corridors amid growing urban pressures.
