San Diego Clears Riverbed Homeless Camps Amid Concerns

In Stockton, the construction of the St. Mary's Pathways Modular Unit homeless shelter has necessitated the clearance of nearby homeless encampments, with residents given 72 hours to vacate due to ongoing construction and safety concerns. The new $17 million facility is expected to house around 300 people, addressing part of the city's growing homeless population, which has doubled to nearly 2,000 people. Similarly, in San Diego, the city has initiated a large-scale operation to clear homeless encampments along the San Diego Riverbed, leveraging a $3.6 million state grant to connect individuals with housing and services. This coordinated effort involves multiple agencies and follows months of outreach to the affected residents, aiming to secure stable housing options and reduce debris and waste accumulation. Despite these efforts, some residents express anxiety about their immediate future and the potential loss of personal belongings. The initiative reflects ongoing challenges in addressing California's homelessness crisis, which continues to grow in urban areas.