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Forum addresses homelessness in Hillcrest

Hillcrest residents on Tuesday gathered at a community forum to voice their concerns about the neighborhood’s growing homeless crisis.

HILLCREST (NEWS 8) – Hillcrest residents on Tuesday gathered at a community forum to voice their concerns about the neighborhood’s growing homeless crisis.

Residents said they are worried about crime, safety, quality of life and resources for the homeless.

One Hillcrest resident said, “They [the homeless] are having sex, they are going to the bathroom, injecting drugs, smoking drugs – it is really kind of a nightmare."

Another resident said she was afraid to go out at night and leave her home.

San Diego City Councilman Chris Ward, who hosted the forum, said “we need our constituents to hear from city leaders and police that they hear them loud and clear.” Ward’s forum allowed Hillcrest residents to vent their concerns.

Mission Hills resident, Lance Pelky said, “Someone needs to be banging on the tables for these poor people that are trying to defend themselves against these animals that are attacking us daily. They are breaking into our cars. They are breaking into our homes. We don’t feel safe.”

Mayor Kevin Faulconer’s homeless liaison and the San Diego’s Police Neighborhood Policing Unit also attended the forum to talk about enforcement and outreach.

“The intent is to get them [the homeless] to transition over to accepting services,” said Captain Scott Wahl.

Residents told News 8 the walked away from the 90-minute forum feeling empowered. “I see my neighbors all came here because we all care about this community and we are in this together,” said one resident.

Police encouraged residents to report ongoing homeless issues on the city’s Get It Done App. The Neighborhood Policing Unit said that since its initiation, it has received over 2,500 complaints and responded to those within two days.

The policing unit also recommended residents report an issue only once and be specific.

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