Escondido takes new approach to homelessness

The city moves to a public safety initiative rather than a full focus on the Housing First model; calls to build its own shelter to address local homeless residents

The Escondido City Council adopted a new policy to address homelessness during its Feb. 28 meeting and will focus on a “Public Safety First” approach. Courtesy image

ESCONDIDO — The city’s leaders are pivoting on how it addresses homelessness.

The City Council approved 4-1, a “Public Safety First” approach during its Feb. 28 meeting with Councilwoman Consuelo Martinez voting no. The change in direction is controversial as the Housing First model has been the staple across the state.

Martinez said she worries the change will jeopardize the city’s ability to secure state and federal funds for projects. One project cited in the new policy is for the city to build its own homeless shelter, and specifically to house those from Escondido, as the city has the largest homeless population in North County with 304 according to the annual Point-in-Time Court.

Of those, 184 are in temporary shelters, 152 in emergency shelters, 27 in transitional housing and five at the Save Haven Housing, according to the city.

Mayor Dane White, who was once homeless, leaned on his experience to bring a new direction to the city. Under Housing First, sobriety is not a requirement, and the model pushes to build affordable housing before services are addressed.

He and Councilman Joe Garcia put together the city’s new policy. Sobriety will be prioritized as part of the city’s future plans to address underlying issues.