Housing authority updates: shelters evacuated after storm, programs supplying hundreds of households

The San Diego Housing Commission executive director Lisa Jones told the Housing Authority on Jan. 23 that recent storm flooding forced evacuations at two shelters and caused damage across commission-managed properties, and she outlined disaster response and ongoing housing programs.

Jones said the 16th & Newton shelter was "completely evacuated" after rapid floodwaters damaged residentsbelongings and shelter supplies; SDHC temporarily relocated some operations to the Balboa Park Activity Center and is coordinating donations and partner support. Rachel's Promise women's shelter also relocated to a nearby facility while damage is assessed.

Jones described ongoing prevention and workforce efforts: the Housing Instability Prevention (HIP) program has enrolled 300 households since its start, providing monthly subsidies (up to $750 depending on need) and case management; the Senior Safe at Home program has enrolled 40 households; the Prebys Foundation awarded a $604,000 grant to support a health-care career training program that will train young adults in certified medical-assistant skills; and the commission broke ground on Iris at San Ysidro, a 99-unit affordable development for families earning 30to 60 percent of area median income, supported with vouchers and a $2.3 million loan from SDHC.

On voucher and tenant issues related to flood damage, Jones said SDHC had received 14 special-inspection emergency requests from voucher participants and was working with landlords to schedule inspections and make relocation supports available. SDHC is pausing some intakes at affected shelters while assessing needs and coordinating with the city's Office of Emergency Services, Red Cross and Salvation Army on donations and temporary housing.

Councilmembers praised the rapid response and asked staff to continue updates. Several public commenters asked for clearer timelines, cost breakdowns and for the commission to prioritize aid for the most vulnerable; SDHC staff said they would post guidance on rights and resources and would continue to update the council by email as recovery needs became clearer.

The Housing Commission will continue to track shelter impacts and might seek additional state or federal assistance to support repairs and resident relocations.

Ending: SDHC said it would publish resource pages and fact sheets and follow up with council members on the status of impacted shelters and voucher-holder relocations.