Meetings Set to Review Plans to House Homeless

Meetings will be held throughout San Diego County over the next two weeks to give residents a firsthand look at the draft of a plan to house the homeless, the mentally ill homeless and others with special needs, county housing officials said.

The comprehensive plan, required by the federal government, must identify the needs of special groups such as homeless migrant workers and the developmentally retarded and come up with ways to finance affordable housing and shelters for those groups, said Les Olson, housing program manager for county’s Department of Housing and Community Development.

After the community meetings are held, the plan will be presented to the County Board of Supervisors for a public hearing at 9 a.m. Sept. 10, then brought before the board for approval on Oct. 15, Olson said.

The purpose of the plan is to address the housing needs of special groups whether it be congregate homes for the retarded or housing for homeless alcoholics, he said. The proposed Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy responds to the needs of these group, he said.

The draft may be viewed at county libraries and the city halls of Coronado, Imperial Beach, Poway, Lemon Grove, Del Mar, Solano Beach and San Marcos.

To receive community opinion, meetings will be held at 6 p.m. at the following locations:

* Today, Lemon Grove City Council Chambers.

* Wednesday, Poway City Council Chambers.

* Thursday, Solana Beach City Council Chambers.

* Sept. 3, Fallbrook Community Center.

* Sept. 4, San Marcos City Council Chambers.

* Sept. 5, Wilson Administrative Center in Ramona.

* Sept. 9, Alpine Community Center.