Homelessness
Addressing Homelessness Effectively
Homelessness is one of the most visible challenges facing communities across California. While Chula Vista has not experienced the same level of crisis seen in some neighboring cities, we must remain proactive to ensure the problem does not grow here.
In District 1, we rarely see homeless individuals living on the streets. That reflects the strength of our neighborhoods, responsible policing, and the community pride residents take in keeping our areas safe and well maintained.
But we cannot take that stability for granted. The homelessness crisis affecting other parts of California shows how quickly the situation can worsen if local leaders fail to act responsibly.
Our goal should be simple: prevent the problem from growing while helping those who truly need assistance.
Support Effective Outreach Programs
Chula Vista has taken positive steps through programs like the Chula Vista Police Department Homeless Outreach Team (HOT). These teams work directly with individuals experiencing homelessness to connect them with services such as housing assistance, mental health support, and addiction treatment.
Programs like these focus on moving people toward stability, not simply allowing homelessness to continue unmanaged.
The Tiny Homes Program in Chula Vista
Chula Vista has taken an innovative approach to addressing homelessness through the Chula Vista Village at Otay, a transitional shelter that uses small “tiny home” units to provide temporary housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The facility opened in 2023 and consists of 65 prefabricated tiny homes designed to provide a safe and private living space for people who are currently living on the streets. The tiny homes are part of a bridge shelter program, meaning they provide temporary housing while individuals work toward permanent housing solutions.
Provide Transitional Solutions
Some individuals experiencing homelessness need temporary support before they can return to stable housing. Carefully designed solutions such as transitional housing or tiny home programs can provide structure and services that help people rebuild their lives.
These programs should include:
- Case management
- Mental health and addiction treatment
- Job training and employment assistance
The goal must always be helping people regain independence, not creating permanent encampments.
Protect Public Spaces and Neighborhoods
Residents deserve safe parks, clean streets, and welcoming public spaces. Chula Vista must continue enforcing reasonable laws that prevent unsafe encampments, protect public property, and maintain quality of life for residents.
Compassion does not mean ignoring the problem. It means offering help while maintaining safe and orderly communities.
Focus on Solutions That Work
California has spent billions of dollars addressing homelessness with mixed results. Chula Vista must ensure that any local programs are measured by results and accountability, not simply by how much money is spent.
We should prioritize programs that:
- Successfully move people into stable housing
- Address the root causes of homelessness such as addiction and mental illness
- Provide pathways to employment and independence
Enforcing the Camping Ban
Chula Vista has one of the strongest anti-camping ordinances in San Diego County, and it must be enforced consistently to protect our neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. Residents deserve clean, safe areas where families can gather without concerns about encampments, trash, or safety hazards.
At the same time, enforcement must be paired with compassion—connecting individuals to available services, shelter, and long-term solutions that address the root causes of homelessness. The goal is not just enforcement for its own sake, but restoring order while offering a path forward for those in need. With clear policies, accountability, and coordination between law enforcement and service providers, we can maintain public safety and uphold the quality of life that Chula Vista residents expect.