SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. — The City of San Diego on Thursday announced it is seeking proposals to build 160 units of permanent supportive housing for San Diego’s most vulnerable residents.
The request for proposals is part of Mayor Faulconer’s efforts to “deliver comprehensive solutions to the region’s housing and homelessness crises.”
"Which is housing with wrap-around services to get folks off the street but keep them off the street," said Mayor Kevin Faulconer."Whether it is job training, counseling or others that keeps them off the street."
The city evaluated dozens of city-owned properties, including sites recommended by San Diego City Council offices, for housing potential.
The five city-owned properties that are included in the request for proposals are:
- Birch St, westerly of Osborn St, San Diego 92113 – with the potential for five units.
- K Street, west of 33rd Street and northwesterly of the SD/AZ railroad 92102 – with the potential for 32 units.
- The former Mission Hills Library at 925 W. Washington St. 92103 – with the potential for 28 units.
- The former Serra Mesa Library at Sandrock Rd & Hurlbut St – with the potential for 29 units.
- The Miramar Ranch Park & Ride at 12016 Scripps Highlands Drive, San Diego 92131- with the potential for 66 units.
Neighbors in Serra Mesa say they are supportive of the library site being used.
"I've always been somebody to help support someone who is not as fortunate as we are," said Peter Cirino.
Another resident said many people are a paycheck away from being homeless and she wants to help.
"Homeless is not going to go away if we shut our eyes and turn our heads, we can't do that," said Lorna Gibson.
Last summer community forums in Mission Hills brought many residents out to protest the project there.
The permanent supportive housing units would house formerly homeless individuals, including veterans and seniors.
Qualified proposals are due by Monday, April 20, 2020, at 5 p.m.