FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 12, 2021

CONTACT: MayorPress@sandiego.gov

SAN DIEGO Mayor Todd Gloria has requested that the San Diego Housing Commission solicit interest among local service providers to leverage the full federal reimbursement of programs like Project Roomkey, a state initiative that provides hotel rooms and other non-congregate shelters for Californians experiencing homelessness who have either contracted or have been exposed to, the COVID-19 virus.

Identifying able providers ofnecessarysupport services and intensive case management across the countyhas been the No. 1barrier to making full use ofshelterprograms likeCaliforniasProjectRoomkey, Mayor Gloria said. Thanks to theBiden administration,San Diego has an opportunity to be fully reimbursed for life-changing programs like these. We must turn over every stone, and wemustuse every tool in the box to find qualified service providers who will protect public health and save lives.

The San Diego Housing Commissionwillidentify, through the release of a formal Request for Qualifications,regional capacity to provide the vital supportive services that people experiencing homelessness need to be successful if providedsafe shelter inhotel rooms.

City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who represents District 9, has been a strong advocate for ensuring that San Diego doesnt let an opportunity like Project Roomkey slip away.

A safe room and a warm bed can be life-changing for those experiencing homelessness. I know this from first-hand experience, Councilmember Elo-Rivera said. That is why I applaud Mayor Gloria's commitment to take the actions necessary to maximize the opportunity presented through President Biden's reimbursement program. This is the leadership we need to end homelessness in San Diego."

Mayor Glorias action builds upon the successful partnership between the City of San Diego, the County of San Diego, the Regional Task Force on the Homeless, andthe San Diego Housing Commission through Operation Shelter to Home in implementing the next phase of the regions homelessness response system.

Mayor Gloria is committed to working with County and other partners to provide a full spectrum of housing options and supportive services to the regions most vulnerable residents.

###