2nd Annual Ending Homelessness Summit

Yesterday, we attended Senator Catherine Blakespear’s 2nd Annual Ending Homelessness Summit, hosted by UC-San Diego, to hear an update on the state of homelessness in San Diego.

In June 2024, an estimated 1,172 individuals became homeless in San Diego for the first time. First-time homelessness is typically caused by an economic driver such as job loss or an increase in rent. At the same time, an estimated 989 individuals were able to exit homelessness. However, June 2024 marked the 27th month in San Diego where more people experienced homelessness for the first time than were housed.

The good news is that across the county, San Diego has programs and supports in place to help 989 individuals exit homelessness! The problem is that we also have economic factors pushing more people into homelessness than the available resources can support, a problem faced by many social service sectors nationwide. So, how do we address a problem that is growing at a rate that is unsustainable?

According to the panelists, the best way to reduce the rate of growth and ultimately end homelessness, is to increase prevention and exiting resources and increase housing production. And in the meantime, more temporary housing solutions need to be created while building more permanent housing.

Complex social problems require a variety of solutions. At New Beginnings, we are focused on prevention because we know that the strongest protective factors against homelessness are having a connection to an adult, having at least a high school education, being currently enrolled in school, and having a full-time job (Homeless Hub, 2019). You can help be part of the solution by supporting a youth experiencing homelessness in high school continue and successfully finish their post-secondary education! Click here to support our work and donate today.