Homeless Outreach | San Diego County Sheriff

Unhoused outside with deputy helping, green vegetation, mountain and tent.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office is committed to a compassionate and balanced approach in addressing homelessness across our communities while maintaining public safety. Recognizing the complex challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, the Sheriff’s Office integrates enforcement responsibilities with proactive outreach and connections to services.

Encampment outside with three sheriff deputies and an unhoused individual with a tent green tree and blue sky.

Our Mission

Our goal is to promote public safety while working collaboratively with social service agencies, community partners, and local governments to assist those in need. The Sheriff’s Office supports initiatives that connect individuals with housing resources, mental health support, and substance use treatment - while also responding to community concerns related to public health and safety.

Addressing Homelessness in
San Diego County with HART:
The Homeless Assistance Resource Team

Outreach in Action

Through our Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) in the unincorporated communities and local patrol stations, deputies:

Conduct regular outreach alongside clinicians and outreach workers.
Facilitate encampment clean-up operations
Help individuals access shelter, transitional housing, mental health services, and identification documents.
Coordinate with County programs and provide referrals and transportation to services

Enforcement with Integrity

While outreach is a priority, deputies also respond to calls related to:

Trespassing, encampments, and public safety concerns.
Criminal activity occurring in or around encampments.

Our deputies work to resolve these issues legally and respectfully while ensuring one’s rights are upheld.

Calls for Service
(December 2024 - May 2025)

66% of deputy-initiated subject stops and traffic stops that are related to homelessness result in a crime report, citation, arrest, or other report activity.

16% of arrests stemmed from crimes committed by unhoused individuals.

HART by the Numbers

Cleanup
Locations Visited

2024: 334

2023: 261

2022: 286

Blue tent icon.

Outreach
Operations

2024: 530

2023: 821

2022: 567

Narcan
Distributed

2024: 1423

2023: 1311

2022: Not tracked

Homeless Housed

2024: 215

2023: 475

2022: 448

Homeless Contacts

2024: 4831

2023: 4010

2022: 3078

Locations Visited

2024: 1575

2023: 1320

2022: 1282

Resources

How to Report a Homeless-Related Concern

Regional Homeless Assistance Program (RHAP)

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office supports the Regional Homeless Assistance Program (RHAP), a county-led initiative designed to provide temporary housing and critical services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
RHAP utilizes hotel rooms located throughout the county as safe, short-term shelter options. This approach offers participants a secure environment while they receive wrap-around services such as case management, mental health support, and assistance in securing permanent housing.
Additionally, RHAP operates a Safe Parking Program, providing designated, monitored parking areas for individuals living in their vehicles, ensuring safety and access to resources.
By partnering with RHAP, the Sheriff’s Office helps promote public safety and community well-being while supporting effective pathways out of homelessness across San Diego County.
https://www.rtfhsd.org/get-help/

How to File a No Trespass

Outreach Services

Shelter

Reentry Services Division Community Resources

Community Collaboration:

HART works in close partnership with many local agencies, including:

San Diego County HHSA (Health and Human Services Agency)
Department of Public Works (DPW)
Veteran Affairs
La Maestra Family Health Centers
ResCare
Crisis House
Home Start
PATH (People Assisting the Homeless)
Salvation Army
McAlister Institute

yellow, baby blue, green grey and red logos with people a building a seven pointed star and hands.

Contract Cities Homeless Resources:

Santee:
https://www.cityofsanteeca.gov/our-community/homelessness

Vista:
https://www.vista.gov/city-services/housing-homeless-services

Imperial Beach:
At Risk of or Experiencing Homelessness | Imperial Beach, CA

Encinitas:
Homeless Resources | City of Encinitas

Solana Beach:
Home | Solana Beach

Del Mar:
Del Mar, CA - Official Website | Official Website

Lemon Grove:
https://www.lemongrove.ca.gov/living-in-lemon-grove/homeless-services/

San Marcos:
Housing Resources | San Marcos, CA

City of Solana Beach, Lemon Grove, City of Encinitas, City of Del Mar, Santee, City of Vista with picture of lemon, horse, sun with wave, mountains with colors green, blue and yellow.

Reentry Services:
Supporting a Path Forward

The Sheriff’s Office recognizes that successful reentry is key to reducing homelessness and preventing repeat incarceration. Many individuals leaving custody face immediate challenges such as lack of housing, unemployment, and mental health or substance use disorders. Without support, these barriers can quickly lead to instability and rearrest.

That’s why our Reentry Services and Detention Services Bureau assists individuals in preparing for a successful return to the community after incarceration. The office connects individuals with housing, treatment, and support services to reduce the risk of reoffending.

Each year, the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count helps identify people experiencing homelessness, including those in custody. This information guides programs and resources for those reentering society.

Deputy and machine, Ada brochure held by hands, five deputys, deputy holding yellow vest, Deputy pushing a person in wheel chair, gardners, class and jail.

Interim Housing Program

The Interim Housing Program provided through the Reentry Services Division offers up to 90-days of paid interim housing for individuals leaving the detention and reentry facilities. Housing is critical to successful reentry and if individuals have an identified need for housing or are at risk of being unsheltered during the reentry planning process, the Correctional Counselors will provide a referral for those that are appropriate and express motivation to maintain sobriety and comply with the standards of the sober living setting.

Baby blue arrow with seven point silver star that says reentry works.

Blue Banner with seven point silver star that says everyone counts.

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is conducted annually in San Diego County. Use the following links to see San Diego's 2025 Point in Time count regional summary and jail survey results.