City of Lemon Grove to close long-standing encampment Oct. 15 following state-funded housing initiative led by RTFH
LEMON GROVE, CA (October 14, 2025)—-The City of Lemon Grove, in partnership with RTFH (Regional Task Force on Homelessness) and the State of California, will officially close a long-standing North Avenue encampment on Wednesday, October 15, marking the culmination of a new coordinated effort to connect residents to permanent housing and supportive services. This is the first of several phases along the I-94 corridor this project is targeting.
The project — funded through an $8.4 million Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) grant awarded to RTFH this year — has already transitioned more than 30 individuals from homelessness to housing, along with providing intensive case management and ongoing support. The initiative represents one of several ERF projects in San Diego County. The City of Oceanside and the City of Carlsbad, for example, recently zeroed in on an encampment in North County. RTFH provided consultants – Impact Group to support the planning and implementation of the project – and funded Brilliant Corners to secure units for immediate housing placements.
“Both projects demonstrate what’s possible when collaboration is rooted in compassion, coordination, and accountability,” said Tamera Kohler, CEO of RTFH. “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.”
The most recent project, overseen by RTFH and the City of Lemon Grove, united multiple partners — including local landlords, Impact Group, Crisis House, Brilliant Corners, Family Health Centers of San Diego, and Think Dignity — to implement a coordinated strategy focused on housing people. Over eight weeks, teams conducted outreach, retrieved essential documents, matched participants with available housing, and provided ongoing case management, including connections to employment, behavioral health, and mental health services.
“These ERF projects show that when jurisdictions and organizations commit to a shared goal, we can deliver immediate, life-changing results,” said Lahela Mattox, COO of RTFH. “What’s happening in Lemon Grove builds on the success we saw in Oceanside and Carlsbad — and it’s proof that when the system works together, we can end homelessness one community at a time.”
The Encampment Resolution Fund, administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), supports local jurisdictions and Continuums of Care in resolving large encampments through permanent housing solutions. The Lemon Grove project funding will sustain housing and services for two years.
To learn more, read the March media advisory, explore RTFH’s new Lemon Grove story, revisit the Oceanside/Carlsbad Encampment Resolution release, and view videos/photos on Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Tony Manolatos – RTFH, tony@manolatospa.com
Gregory Jackson – City of Lemon Grove, gjackson@lemongrove.ca.gov
About RTFH: The Regional Task Force on Homelessness’ mission is to reduce and end homelessness in San Diego, ensuring that if it does happen for anyone, it remains rare, brief, and non-recurring. As the Continuum of Care lead agency in San Diego County, RTFH serves as a strategic planner, funder, convener, policy leader, and advisor in the region’s collective efforts to end homelessness. Learn more at www.rtfhsd.org
