San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s plan for a 1,000 bed homeless shelter along the 5 freeway near the airport is only a week old, but it has already run into a delay.
The news that his proposal would not be presented to the city council this week as planned with word that it is being reviewed, is yet another chapter in the long story of trying to reduce homelessness in San Diego.
And while the city’s ban on tents and homeless encampments that began last year is getting some praise, it’s also getting some criticism and could be affected by ongoing court battles even involving the Supreme Court.
Some argue the while the ban has reduced sidewalks blocked with make shift tents, they have just moved elsewhere near freeways and along the San Diego River bed.
The debate and battles over what to do about reducing homelessness have gone on for nearly 30 years in San Diego, and the issue is definitely going to be a big issue in this year’s election as the mayor seeks another term in office.
The newest idea for reducing homelessness was offered up recently with as the San Diego Union Tribune reported that the city’s Chief Operating Officer sees private donations and philanthropy as the key and not just government money.
No matter what happens, more needs to happen if the homeless problem is ever going to be less of a problem.
(Photo local reporting partner 10News)