SAN DIEGO—A total of 179 people who were living in two local riverbeds have been moved into permanent or temporary housing since January, officials announced Thursday.

The previously homeless individuals lived in the San Diego and Sweetwater riverbeds and were among several hundred identified during a county push to find them housing.

“Our efforts to clear homeless encampments from the riverbeds are working. We are seeing steady progress month after month,” said San Diego Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer. “We are moving people from the outdoors to housing. We are also protecting the waterway by cleaning up the embankments and clearing the debris left behind—180 people relocated is a strong start, but we have more work to do.”

According to a statement from Lawson-Remer’s office, many of those making a home in the riverbeds have been homeless for several years and are working as “survivalists.” These people often lack trust in authority and so specialized teams are used to make connections.

“Each person’s episode of homelessness is unique, and people build shelter and find community where they feel most safe,” said Kendall Burdett, outreach case manager at People Assisting the Homeless. “Many unsheltered people along the San Diego River seek isolation and do not typically seek out services or support.

“That is why it is so important that we meet unhoused San Diegans where they’re at and build trusting relationships. My colleagues and I that conduct outreach along the river take a person-centered approach and help people with their immediate needs while we work towards securing them with long-term housing.”

In June 2023, San Diego County, city, the city of Santee and Caltrans received $17 million to clear homeless encampments in the riverbed. An additional $5.1 million was granted in September 2023 to National City, Chula Vista and Caltrans to address an encampment in the Sweetwater River known as “The Jungle.”

In September, volunteers for the nonprofit San Diego River Park Foundation conducted a three-day census along the river, finding 423 people living between Ocean Beach and Santee.

“The number of people in our census area has grown over recent years but we are starting to see significant results as the $17 million Encampment Resolution Funding program is implemented,” said Rob Hutsel, the CEO of the San Diego River Park Foundation. That impact is visible in Santee and now work is underway in the city of San Diego. This is being confirmed by the data we collect of the locations of people experiencing homelessness.

“Since we are seeking long term solutions to help people, and not simply displacement, we are very optimistic about the strategy to use these funds for riverbed outreach and services.”

Once people are gone from encampments, tons of trash and debris remains, requiring additional work following housing.