The San Diego Convention Center has effectively become a place of refuge amid the COVID-19 pandemic. City officials recognized that homeless individuals were not only at high risk of becoming infected by the coronavirus, but also transferring it to others.
As a precaution for the safety of the homeless and all San Diegans, hundreds of homeless individuals, including veterans, have been transferred to the Convention Center. Many of those have come from other shelters where the conditions were not conducive to social distancing or other important health measures. The homeless shelter on Newton Avenue, for instance, had hundreds of beds that were only a few feet apart.
Hundreds of homeless individuals are now safely inside the convention center, with more on the way. Thank you @CityofSanDiego, @SDConventionCtr, @SanDiegoCounty, @RTFHSD, Housing Commission and shelter operator staff. I'm amazed by your efforts. Your actions are saving lives. pic.twitter.com/4JUXvefXlX
— Kevin Faulconer (@Kevin_Faulconer) April 6, 2020
On Sunday, 180 veterans were moved to the Convention Center out of similar concerns for social distancing. “Our veterans have served and protected us, and we’re going to make sure to protect them from COVID-19,” said Mayor Kevin Faulconer. “In the Convention Center, our homeless veterans will benefit from more space, medical monitoring, and housing navigators who will help them find a home.”
“Moving them into the Convention Center ensures we can provide a safe environment allowing for appropriate social distancing while providing access to medical, mental health and case management services,” said Veterans Village San Diego chief executive Andre Simpson.
City officials suggested that remaining space at the Convention Center will be used for unsheltered homeless individuals in the coming weeks.
