Supervisor Nathan Fletcher speaks with a homeless person during the Point-in-Time county on Thursday. Courtesy of Fletcher’s office
County supervisors on Tuesday heard a detailed report on accomplishments over the past year by the Department of Homeless Solutions and Equitable Communities, which was created in July 2021 as part of the county Health and Human Services Agency.
The department has three separate offices: Homeless Solutions, Equitable Communities, and Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.
Barbara Jimenez, the department’s community operations officer, said the agency was “able over the last year to make a positive impact, ensure equity and connect thousands of San Diegans to housing and other essential resource.”
“While much remains to be done, we are confident that our team is poised to continue its efforts to ensure equity in delivering necessary services and help to underserved communities,” Jimenez added.
Agency officials told the board the department was able to secure $8 million for its Housing Disability Advocacy Program to provide help, housing and legal support to disabled people who are also homeless. The agency was also able to obtain $6 million under Proposition 47 to help people who have gone through the justice system or are dealing with mental health or substance use issues, while also at risk of homelessness.
The department reported that its community health workers connected more than 4,600 people with county services, and assisted migrants, immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees with legal, medical, academic and food resources.
County supervisors also voted unanimously to accept $2 million in state funding aimed at helping Afghan refugees.
According to county officials, the $2 million in Afghan refugee supplemental funding comes from the California Department of Social Services.
Officials said San Diego County is one of only four counties to receive the money.
City News Service contributed to this article.