Homelessness Solutions

2010 Registry Week

In September 2010, more than 240 volunteers participated in Registry Week, a collaborative, focused initiative to assess the area's homeless population. Thirty survey teams canvassed 450 downtown blocks and made contact with more than 1,040 people. Of these, 737 individuals agreed to participate in a by-name survey that helped assess their needs. When the data was analyzed, 279 participants were identified as particularly vulnerable. Of this group,134 had mental health issues, a serious medical condition, and substance abuse issues as well.

Organized as a first step in the effort to provide downtown San Diego's most vulnerable homeless individuals the long-term housing solutions they need, Registry Week was coordinated with nationally renowned Common Ground and its 100,000 Homes Campaign, which has become a national model for reducing homelessness in major urban areas.

Registry Week Video

Fact sheet on unsheltered homeless individuals with behavioral health care issues in downtown San Diego, March 2011 (407 KB)
Fact sheet on unsheltered homeless women in downtown San Diego, April 2011 (376 KB)
Fact sheet on unsheltered homeless veterans in downtown San Diego, April 2011 (380KB)

 

REGISTRY WEEK BY THE NUMBERS
Survey

•  37% had health conditions associated with a high mortality risk
• 71% of those surveyed allowed their photo to be taken, which will help identify and get them into supportive housing

At-Risk Factors

• 18% had at least three morbidity factors
• 12% have visited an emergency room or been hospitalized more than three times
• 7% have cirrhosis or liver disease
• 5% have had a cold or wet weather injury
• 3% have a form of kidney disease
• 2% have HIV/AIDS

Age

• 25% were 55 or older
• 10% were 60 or older
• 8% were 62 or older (therefore eligible for HUD's Senior Housing program)
• 84 - the age of the oldest person surveyed
• 5% were under 25
• 15 - the age of the youngest person surveyed

Duration of homelessness

• 8 years - the average number of years of homelessness for those deemed most vulnerable
• 45 - the average age for the group identified as most vulnerable
• 4 years - the average number of years of homelessness for those considered less vulnerable
• 52 - the average age for the group identified as comparatively less vulnerable

Veterans

• 25% were veterans
• 72% said they were honorably discharged

Health-care costs

• 1,088 inpatient hospitalizations were reported in the last year at annual estimated cost of $23.3 million
• 589 emergency room visits were reported in the last three months for an annual estimated cost of $1.8 million
• $25 million - estimated annual inpatient and emergency room costs for 134 people, approximately $186,000 per person
• $23,000 - cost per person for permanent supportive housing in San Diego
• $12 million - cost savings if all 134 people having "tri-morbidity" issues were housed