SPRING VALLEY, Calif — East County residents speaking out about the county's plan to build 150 sleeping cabins for homeless in Spring Valley.
The county plans to put the sleeping cabins at a site near Jamacha Road and State Route 125. Residents shared concerns about the site's location saying it's too close to schools and homes.
The San Miguel Fire District Board wanted to hear what residents thought about the sleeping cabins.
"We want to help the homeless but this is not the right way of doing it. This is putting a Band-Aid on the problem," said Gray Palmeter, a Spring Valley resident.
In March the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the project but residents say they didn't get to be part of the conversation.
"What makes me upset the most is the fact they would put this in directly in front of our schools which is Avondale elementary and Mount Miguel. It seems the children in the community weren't part of the consideration," said a Spring Valley resident.
San Miguel Fire was not involved in approving the sleeping cabin site but wanted to plan ahead on how the cabins might impact their response.
"How does this impact our firefighters and our response times if we're being directed to a facility that didn't use to be there," said Theresa McKenna, San Miguel Fire District Board.
A couple of speakers said the site will be beneficial.
"East County has the second highest number of people experiencing homelessness outside of the City of San Diego in our county. We have very few emergency shelter beds," said Bonny with East County Homeless Task Force.
County officials say $18.5 million in American Recue Plan Money will be used to design and build the sleeping cabins.
In a statement Chairwoman Nora Vargas said:
"Since taking office, I've prioritized addressing our region's homelessness issue head-on. This includes organizing a groundbreaking meeting with 18 cities and the Regional Task Force on Homelessness, securing $22 million in funding from Governor Newsom for encampment solutions, and investing $5.2 million in the Shallow Rental Subsidy Program to prevent senior homelessness, housing 382 seniors. Keeping people housed is critical to breaking the cycle of homelessness, and I am committed to ensuring everyone has access to the housing they deserve.
The number of unsheltered people in Spring Valley continues to grow, which has led to numerous inquiries from our community members seeking solutions. Increasing the availability of housing is among the key strategies being considered by San Diego County to address this issue. Currently, we are exploring various options, including transitional housing projects like those successfully implemented in Chula Vista. These initiatives are designed to provide safe, supportive environments. As we progress, the community and local businesses will be integral partners in this process. I am grateful that Governor Newsom has supported our efforts to break the cycle of homelessness. I am committed to exploring every avenue to ensure safe and healthy communities."
WATCH RELATED: San Diego County displays new sleeping cabins for those experiencing homelessness