While the numbers show a decline, homelessness in the region continues to be an issue. (File photo by Dave Thomas/Times of San Diego)
The city of Lemon Grove and the Regional Task Force on Homelessness closed a long-standing encampment Wednesday.
The site, along North Avenue, is one of several along state Route 94 the city and task force are tackling using an $8.4 million Encampment Resolution Fund grant. The Lemon Grove project, after weeks of work, has seen more than 30 people staying at the encampment placed into housing with case management and ongoing support.
A similar project targeted an encampment straddling the border of Oceanside and Carlsbad and showed success in getting people off the street, according to a news release from the task force.
Collaboration works. Lemon Grove’s long-standing encampment closes Wednesday, Oct. 15 thanks to Encampment Resolution project led by RTFH and the City of Lemon Grove.
✅ Encampment cleared
✅ Dozens of people now have homes. pic.twitter.com/E0TUPVdYnT
— Regional Task Force on Homelessness (@RTFHSD) October 14, 2025
“Both projects demonstrate what’s possible when collaboration is rooted in compassion, coordination, and accountability,” said Tamera Kohler, CEO of the task force. “Through the state’s Encampment Resolution Fund and strong partnerships with Lemon Grove and Oceanside, we’re not only housing people – we’re restoring safety, dignity and community for everyone involved.”
Lemon Grove’s effort involved multiple partners, including local landlords, nonprofits and healthcare providers. Over eight weeks, teams “conducted outreach, retrieved essential documents, matched participants with available housing and provided ongoing case management,” officials said.
The Encampment Resolution Fund is administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development and is intended to support local jurisdictions in “resolving” large encampments through permanent housing solutions.
The Lemon Grove project funding will sustain housing and services for two years.
READ NEXT