We, as concerned residents of Spring Valley, would like to bring to your attention San Diego County’s plan to build a homeless shelter, housing 300 individuals at the corner of Jamacha Road and southbound 125 off-ramp. The homeless shelter will be constructed near schools, daycares, senior communities, parks, freeways and bus stops. The proposed location poses potential risks to our children's safety and theoverall community’s well-being.

According to the studies done by Cicero Institute, “The San Diego County District Attorney’s office found homeless individuals were 514 times more likely to commit a crime than the average citizen and, in 98 percent of cases, a homeless offender is a repeat offender.” (Kurtz, 2024) (Cicero Institute & Kurtz, 2024). San Diego County District Attorney, Summer Stephan, released data correlated over two years which shows that individuals who are experiencing homelessness become involved with the justice system as victims and perpetrators at dramatically higher rates than the rest of the population. (Office of the District Attorney - County of San Diego,
2022)

Equally important to note, placing the shelter near busy roads like freeways could pose significant health risks due to air pollution. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that long-term exposure to traffic-related air pollution can cause respiratory problems – an issue already prevalent among many homeless individuals. (Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, 2020)

We understand the problem we are facing with the increased number of the homeless population and the importance of providing support; however, we believe there are more suitable locations for this facility that would not compromise safety or health standards. 

Perhaps a more suitable solution is to find structurally sound, unoccupied buildings where they can get suitable medical and mental care, drug/alcohol rehabilitation programs, and vocational training to assist these individuals in immersing themselves back into society.

We urge local decision-makers in San Diego County and the Spring Valley Community to reconsider this plan and find alternative solutions that satisfies both the need for assisting the homeless population and the community as a whole. Please sign this petition if you share these concerns

References

Cicero Institute & Kurtz, D. (2024, March 28). Drug-Free Homeless Service Zones - Cicero Institute. The Cicero Institute. Retrieved April 29, 2024, from
https://ciceroinstitute.org/research/drug-free-homeless-service-zones/

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. (2020, June 24).
Individuals Experiencing Homelessness are Likely to have Medical Conditions
Associated with Severe Illness from COVID-19 Issue Brief. ASPE. Retrieved
April 29, 2024, from https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/individuals-experiencing-homelessness-are-likely-have-medical-conditions-associated-severe-illness-0

Office of the District Attorney - County of San Diego. (2022, March 21). DA SharesFirst-of-Its Kind Crime Data, Proposes Three-Point Plan to Address Intersection of Crime and Homelessness. San Diego County District Attorney. Retrieved April 29, 2024, from https://www.sdcda.org/content/MediaRelease/Homeless%20Data%20and%20Plan%20News%20Release%20FINAL%203-21-22.pdf