Homelessness
What is the City of Santee doing in regards to homelessness?
The City of Santee is actively engaged in efforts to reduce the homelessness rate in our City. Below is a breakdown of the programs, partnerships, and actions currently in place.
Homelessness Statistics
The data below reflects the efforts of the City in reducing the rate of homelessness in Santee.
0+
Encampments Posted/Removed
0%
Reduction in Individuals in the SD Riverbed
0
Unique Individuals Provided with Services
0
Positive Exits—Permanent & Temporary
0
Riverbed Cleanups
0
Pounds of Trash Removed
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Ordinance & Policy Updates
Brush Clearing & Fire Breaks
Adopted four emergency ordinances to reduce fire risks and maintain public safety access: October 2020, August 2021, February 2022, and November 2024.
Protects public health, safety, and the natural environment by reducing fire, flooding, and pollution risks (May 2023).
Updated Trespassing Ordinance
Strengthens enforcement tools to manage encampments and riverbed activity (February 2025).
Encampment Management
Staffing
- Hired a Human Services & Open Space Coordinator (April 2024)
- Leads encampment abatement and connects individuals to resources
Encampment Abatement
Partnerships
Homeless Working Group
Established in fall 2022. The group meets monthly to coordinate services, share data, test ideas, and plan future strategies.
Partner Organizations
City of Santee, City Attorney’s Office, Caltrans, Crisis House, CASA Neighborhoods, ECTLC, Grossmont Healthcare District, Helix EPI, HomeMoreProject, My Pacific Health, Regional Task Force on Homelessness, San Diego County DA’s Office, SD County Dept of Public Works, San Diego Habitat for Humanity, SD River Park Foundation, SD Sheriff’s Office, Turner BHS, and Youdidit4me.
Grants & Funding
$16M Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF)
Joint grant awarded with the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, and Caltrans.
$7.2M Hazard Mitigation Grant (FEMA)
Supports defensible space clearing and hazardous fuel reduction in the river corridor.
ARPA Funds
$217,000 allocated toward homelessness efforts (2023–2025).
$60K Community Development Block Grant
Supports programs that help mitigate homelessness.
Tracking & Results
- 68.9% reduction in individuals in the San Diego Riverbed (2024–2025)
- 27.4% reduction in unsheltered persons in Santee (2025 Point-in-Time Count)
Law Enforcement & Field Operations
San Diego County Sheriff’s Office (Santee Station)
- Weekly coordination with Open Space Coordinator
- 72-hour Notice to Vacate postings and enforcement
- Cleanup coordination with Alpha Project
- Collaboration with CHP and County HART team
- Use of ATVs for accessing difficult terrain
- Warrant sweeps and ordinance enforcement
- Zero tolerance enforcement for illegal activity
- Ongoing resource referrals for individuals experiencing homelessness
Public & Private Partnerships
Collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department, HOPE Team, PATH San Diego, and East County Transitional Living Center (ECTLC) to connect individuals with available services.
Additional Measures
Coordination with Fire Department and public safety agencies for complex cleanup operations.