Petco Park in San Diego, CA (Photo: Adam Jones)
San Diego County is researching a new course of action to reduce homelessness among Veterans. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to explore expanding the Regional Housing Assistance Program, RHAP, which temporarily reserves motel rooms in unincorporated areas for people experiencing homelessness. If carried out, the proposed expansion would specifically dedicate beds for homeless Veterans and increase access to support services that help stabilize long-term housing.
Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Navy Veteran, introduced the proposal. He pointed to a 25 percent drop in Veteran homelessness over the past year as progress, but said more needs to be done. The county’s latest point-in-time count showed 643 homeless Veterans, still a high number despite recent improvement. He said it’s unacceptable that people who served the country are now left to sleep on the streets.
Although homelessness among Veterans in the county has declined slightly following a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic, local numbers remain above the national average. Desmond said the new pilot program would help continue the momentum by dedicating a portion of RHAP beds to Veterans and expanding wraparound services like case management, rental assistance, and behavioral health care.
RHAP operates across 16 partner hotels and provides nightly shelter for up to 250. Since its launch in 2020, the program has housed more than 2,500 people experiencing homelessness, though only 63 of them were Veterans, according to April 2025 data from the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.
Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer supported the effort but raised concerns about RHAP already operating at capacity. She said the county must identify new funding to avoid displacing others who rely on the same services. She called for a balanced approach that prioritizes Veterans without taking resources away from other vulnerable residents.
Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe said the pilot could offer Veterans a stronger path to permanent housing and long-term self-sufficiency. She said she looks forward to reviewing the county’s findings when the report is complete.
Local advocates say the effort is a good step but must go further. Scott Silverman, founder of the Veterans Navigation Center, said Veterans also need mental health treatment, stability, and services tailored to families as well as individuals.
County staff have 90 days to study the proposal and return with a full report outlining the number of beds needed, expected costs, and possible funding sources. The board will review the findings before deciding on the next steps.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
