Housing

Finding Shelter from the Coming Rain

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People experiencing homelessness in the County’s unincorporated areas during the coming rainstorms can find shelter thanks to the County’s Inclement Weather Shelter Program.

The County Health and Human Services Agency’s Housing and Community Development Services monitors the weather and activates the program on days the weather calls for it.

When rain is expected for two or more days or reaches two or more inches within a 24-hour period or may lead to flash flooding the program is activated. HHSA evaluates weather in seven zones in the unincorporated areas of the County to determine where activations may be needed.

During extreme weather conditions, people in the unincorporated area needing shelter can call 2-1-1 between noon and 7 p.m. to find out if the program has been activated for the area where they are.

The County developed the Inclement Weather Shelter Program to provide temporary housing to the unsheltered people during high-risk weather events. When activated, 2-1-1 will connect clients to a housing service provider will work with the people to identify available accommodations and, in some cases, help with transportation.

Homeless people in any part of the county can call 2-1-1 to get information about available inclement weather shelters and other homeless services.

“By calling 2-1-1 people will be directed to the correct program and place,” said David Estrella, director of HHSA’s Housing and Community Development Services. “We instituted the program because we know that when people are exposed to inclement weather, they are more likely to experience health issues that could be life-threatening.”

José A. Álvarez is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact