The City of Lemon Grove will be getting an $8.4 million state grant to rehouse more than 100 unsheltered people experiencing homelessness.
The money will be used to provide rental subsidies and other services to homeless people along State Route 94.
The funds will be issued within the next 90 days and will be managed by the Regional Taskforce on Homelessness, according to CEO Tamera Kohler.
“I am optimistic and hopeful as we finally bring the much needed and welcomed resources to our unhoused community members,” said Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow in a statement about the grant.
The homeless population in Lemon Grove increased by 85% from 2023 to 2024, according 2024 Point In Time Count data.
A statement from regional task force said 45% of the homeless individuals in Lemon Grove are chronically homeless, with many having high service needs and little to no access to healthcare, transportation, housing, and other critical services.
Kohler said 85% of the funding will go towards rental subsidies, intensive case management, landlord engagement, and housing retention services to support housing stabilization.
The remaining funds will build out capacity for outreach, project management, and supportive services, she said.
Once the grant, awarded by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, is executed, the city and regional task force will have two years to use all of the funding.
Kohler said the organization is also looking to expand their San Diego Flexible Housing Pool program.
