A recent pilot program aimed at enhancing homeless outreach in Lemon Grove concluded, yielding significant insights into homelessness in the area. The initiative identified 181 individuals experiencing unstable housing and connected many to essential services, including food benefits and behavioral health care. As reported to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, the program facilitated permanent housing for nine individuals. This data not only highlights the challenges faced by the homeless community in this East County city but also sets the stage for upcoming initiatives aimed at expanding available aid.
During a board meeting, Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe commented on the figures, acknowledging that while the number of individuals entering permanent housing was lower than hoped, the program laid a “strong foundation for future progress.” The issue of homelessness in East County has been exacerbated by a lack of resources compared to larger urban centers like San Diego, where more extensive services are available.
Efforts to establish small homes for the homeless in nearby areas such as Lakeside, Santee, and Spring Valley faced opposition from residents, leading county officials to explore alternative solutions. The installation of 60 sleeping cabins in Lemon Grove emerged as an option but has sparked controversy, prompting some residents to seek a recall of the city’s mayor for supporting the initiative. These tiny homes, referred to as the Troy Street cabins, are not expected to open until 2027.
In light of the pilot program’s conclusion in October 2024, county supervisors have authorized an expansion of outreach services in Lemon Grove. The pilot program’s ability to identify 181 homeless individuals is particularly significant, given that the region’s annual point-in-time count had previously recorded only 110 individuals living on the streets at the beginning of the year. Supervisor Paloma Aguirre expressed hope that the outreach model could be replicated in other areas of the county that require increased support.
The program primarily utilized county staff and was designed to operate without additional funding. Unfortunately, a lack of new financial resources may have limited the effectiveness of efforts to secure permanent housing for participants. Many individuals who successfully transitioned to permanent housing benefited from rental assistance through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing initiative, a federally funded program, according to county records.
The challenging housing market in the region has been identified as a significant barrier to securing stable housing for many residents. Despite these challenges, Lemon Grove has recently been awarded a multi-million-dollar grant from the state aimed at enhancing outreach efforts along State Route 94. This funding is expected to facilitate not only outreach but also assistance for homeless individuals with rent payments. Local officials have indicated that more than 30 individuals have already secured permanent housing as a result of these new initiatives, with projections suggesting that the grant could ultimately provide housing for over 100 individuals.
The ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness in Lemon Grove reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive support and resources in the region. As these initiatives unfold, the focus will remain on enhancing outreach and improving access to stable housing for those in need.
