By Gary Warth June 10, 2026 Regional Task Force on Homelessness team members who led a project that housed dozens of people and cleared a large homeless encampment in Lemon […]

By Gary Warth June 9, 2026 El Cajon will introduce a medical outreach team for homeless people and provide funding for an existing shelter under agreements approved by the City […]

By Gary Warth May 27, 2026 Building affordable housing should be easier in Santee for years to come under a plan finalized by the City Council on May 27. Council […]

By Gary Warth May 27, 2026 The Encinitas City Council is opposing a state bill that would require small cities in California to include information about homeless services in their […]

By Gary Warth May 20, 2026 Oceanside is transitioning its homeless outreach approach away from law enforcement and toward contracted social workers, a move seen as more effective and cost-efficient. […]

By Gary Warth May 19, 2026 The County will provide $1.8 million to help fund a 35-unit home in Vista for youth transitioning out of foster care as part of […]

May 19 By Gary Warth Don’t ask Brother Batie his real first name. “Most people don’t know my government name, and I don’t share it too often,” he said. “I’m […]

By Gary Warth May 15, 2026 Advocates for affordable housing in the county and state gathered outside the County Administration Center on May 15 in a call for action to […]

By Gary Warth May 13 A new contract approved by the Encinitas City Council will allow the San Diego Rescue Mission to rent units for homeless clients in a more […]

By Gary Warth May 11 A slate of state and federal bills aimed at addressing homelessness, housing access and behavioral health is advancing through legislative committees, with several measures carrying […]

By Gary Warth May 5, 2026 ENCINITAS – Business representatives in Encinitas would like to see more homeless prevention, a better definition of housing and more after-hour services for people […]

Sheltered homelessness rises 12% as more people access services; overall homelessness down 1%. SAN DIEGO (MAY 1, 2026)—–Unsheltered homelessness across San Diego County declined by 11% this year, a significant […]

By Gary Warth April 28 Providing shelter for people living outdoors, preventing homelessness and creating affordable housing remain priorities in Chula Vista, Mayor John McCann said in his State of […]

By Gary Warth April 21, 2026 SAN DIEGO – A strategy that has shown success in keeping people from falling into homelessness will get a boost from the county through […]

By Gary Warth April 14 CHULA VISTA – Rental subsidies, homeless prevention and shelter services are among programs that Chula Vista intends to fund with its allocation of federal dollars […]

By Gary WarthApril 8, 2026 SANTEE — With little public input at its final hearing, the Santee City Council on April 8 approved its annual action plan and authorized staff […]

By Gary Warth March 27, 2026 A number of state and federal bills addressing homelessness, housing and behavioral health are advancing through legislative committees. Here’s a look at several measures […]

By Gary Warth March 13, 2026 A slate of bills addressing homelessness and housing is moving through the California Legislature, with proposals focused on funding access, prevention strategies and housing […]

By Gary Warth March 19, 2026 A number of state and federal bills addressing homelessness, housing and behavioral health are advancing through legislative committees. Here’s a look at several measures […]

By Gary Warth March 17, 2026 CHULA VISTA – Seniors, veterans, families and others who may be facing homelessness will have more housing options in Chula Vista sometime in the […]

By Gary WarthMarch 14, 2026 SAN DIEGO — Veterans Village of San Diego honored regional partners and reflected on nearly four decades of service to homeless veterans during its first […]

By Gary WarthMarch 12, 2026 SAN DIEGO — Travis Larson’s title at Alpha Project is senior director of supportive housing, but his approach to the job reflects a mix of […]

By Gary WarthMarch 11, 2026 ENCINITAS — Encinitas officials voiced mixed views this week on a state bill aimed at giving smaller cities better access to homelessness funding, ultimately agreeing […]

By Gary WarthMarch 4, 2026 ESCONDIDO — Escondido officials are significantly expanding a rental subsidy program aimed at helping low-income residents stay housed, though some residents and council members say […]

Feb. 24By Gary Warth EL CAJON — Results from El Cajon’s first city-specific homeless count found that most people surveyed became homeless while living in the city, and that a […]

By Gary WarthFeb. 11, 2026 ENCINITAS — A revised Homeless Action Plan in Encinitas could include a new safe parking lot or other options such as hotel vouchers, and residents […]

Feb. 18, 2026By Gary Warth OCEANSIDE — The city’s safe parking program will move from Apple Street to the Country Club Senior Center under a new contract approved unanimously by […]

By Gary WarthFeb. 12, 2026 A San Diego County program that helps house local veterans will continue for at least two more years and expand under newly announced state funding. […]

Infrastructure upgrades receive largest share as council weighs funding for local nonprofits By Gary Warth Feb. 25 SANTEE — Infrastructure improvements will receive the largest share of Santee’s anticipated $349,000 […]

By Gary Warth Feb. 25, 2026 The first two months of 2026 saw new and continuing bills to address homelessness, including proposed bonds that could raise $10 billion for affordable […]

Oceanside Deputy Mayor Eric Joyce interviews a homeless woman in a channel during the Jan. 29 point-in-time count. Photo by Jordan Verdin By Gary WarthJan. 29, 2026 OCEANSIDE — “Eye-opening.” […]

Inspiration, funding uncertainty among topics at RTFH conference By Gary Warth December 2025 The fourth annual RTFH conference in San Diego brought together more than 1,000 international practitioners, leaders, innovators […]

By Gary Warth Jan. 12, 2026 New data released by RTFH shows the San Diego region has made significant progress addressing homelessness. For the first time since RTFH started tracking […]

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 […]

ABOUT THIS SERIES: A large homeless encampment in Lemon Grove had been a sore spot in the city for years. Past efforts to clear it had been unsuccessful, and residents […]

SAN DIEGO (JUNE 4, 2025)—-About 200 people living in encampments in Oceanside and Carlsbad will move directly into housing this year as part of a new approach coordinated by The […]

by Gary Warth Clearing homeless encampments typically means a game of whack-a-mole, with people from one site displaced to another or, at best, agreeing to a shelter stay or a […]

Gary is Serving as Director of Government Relations, Policy and Communications  SAN DIEGO (May 22, 2025)—–Veteran journalist Gary Warth has joined the Regional Task Force on Homelessness as the Director […]

by Gary Warth While this year’s point-in-time count revealed positive signs on many fronts, homelessness among seniors 55 and older, however, saw little change. According to the Point-in-Time Count administered […]

by Gary Warth Among the most-encouraging results in addressing homelessness over the past decade has been the success made with veterans both locally and nationally. Results of the Point-in-Time Count […]

by Gary Warth Results from this year’s Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of homeless people in San Diego County show progress among several populations, with families and young adults showing some of […]

Unsheltered family homelessness, down 72%, and unsheltered veteran homelessness, down 25%, lead list of reductions. Several cities see significant decreases. SAN DIEGO (May 20, 2025)—-Significant reductions in family homelessness and […]

The CoC is now accepting applications for CoC Board seats for the 2025-2027 term. If you are interested in serving on the CoC Board, please submit a completed application by May 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. to cocsandiego@rtfhsd.org. Questions may […]

WHO: City of Lemon Grove, the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH), and State of California WHAT: News Conference WHERE: North Avenue along the 94 corridor (California State Route 94), […]

Local nonprofits officially launched a new document acquisition and storage service on Tuesday for San Diegans experiencing homelessness.

Report shows the high cost of housing and the lack of housing across our region continues to impact the homelessness crisis

This award from HUD is Second Largest in Country; RTFH collaborated with YMCA of San Diego County and Our Time To Act in Application

Op/Ed by RTFH CEO Tamera Kohler Tools are available to count people experiencing homelessness with more accuracy and provide them with individualized services. More municipalities should use them.

The last time this occurred was in March 2022, or 33 months ago SAN DIEGO (DEC. 20, 2024)—-New regional data from the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) shows that […]

Report shows the high cost of housing and the lack of housing across our region continues to impact the homelessness crisis. SAN DIEGO (DEC. 4, 2024)—-New regional data from the […]

RTFH is honoring four local leaders with Lifetime Achievement Awards for the endless contributions they made over the years to help combat homelessness. “The unwavering work these leaders put in […]

After thorough discussion, the CoC Board proposes expanding its membership by adding two seats. This expansion aims to enhance representation from critical sectors and stakeholders, ensuring broader input and fostering […]

The CoC is soliciting applications for CoC Board seats that will be expiring for the 2024-2026 term. If you are interested in serving on the CoC Board, please submit an Application  by March 21, […]

The Continuum of Care’s Governance Charter is updated on an annual basis, as required by HUD.  The link to the proposed 2024 Governance Charter is below, as well as a […]

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) hosted its second annual conference, “Peers, Partners, and Practices,” on December 5th and 6th at the San Diego Hilton Bayfront. Nearly one thousand […]

RTFH is releasing the Super Notice of Funding Opportunity (“Super NOFO”) that includes multiple sources of funding.  The Super NOFO is a simplified process that streamlines guidelines, applications, and multiple […]

You’re invited to the second annual RTFH Conference on Homelessness! Taking place on December 5th and 6th at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, this two-day event will be another regional […]

The CoC is soliciting applications for CoC Board seats that will be expiring for the 2023-2025 term.  Applications can be found here and must be submitted by March 17, 2023 […]

The RTFH is soliciting public comment on the draft of annual updates to the Continuum of Care Board’s Governance Charter. A summary of changes can be found here.  The current version […]

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) recently hosted a two-day conference of local, state and national experts with the goal of improving our collective understanding and approach to the No. 1 […]

On June 22, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a new funding source, the Special Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to Address Unsheltered and Rural Homelessness for 2022. […]

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH), as the Lead Agency for the San Diego Continuum of Care (CoC), is seeking public comment on information to be included in the […]

Data shows progress and opportunities, provides insights into who is experiencing homelessness in San Diego County SAN DIEGO – The Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) today released the topline results […]

SAN DIEGO –  Community HousingWorks CEO Sean Spear has been named the new Chair of the Continuum of Care (CoC) Advisory Board for the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH). […]

The RTFH is soliciting public comment on proposed annual updates to the Continuum of Care Advisory Board’s Governance Charter.  The public comment period will close on April 1, 2022. A […]

SAN DIEGO –  The Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) is excited to announce the addition of two seasoned public affairs and communications professionals, Jordan Beane and Tony Manalatos, to […]

RTFH is committed to doing everything possible to keep people who are experiencing homelessness safe, as well as those of us who work and volunteer each year conducting the Point-in-Time […]

Please see these updates for the NOFO Priority Listing, the Local Ranking Order Final Posting and the CoC Consolidated Application posted for the NOFO below. FY2021 CoC NOFO Priority Listing – […]

Please click here to review the rankings.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the Collaborative Applicant for the Continuum of Care (CoC) to provide a series of public notices during the annual CoC […]

This post includes the formal FY 21 CoC Competition Request for Proposals; an excel file containing Rating and Ranking protocols and separate spreadsheets with the rating factors and values for […]

On behalf of the CoC, the RTFH is seeking input from the community on the draft Regional Community Action Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness in San Diego. This is […]

On August 18, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY 2021 Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition. HUD requires local […]

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), CoC Program Competition Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for 2021 was released on August 18, 2021.  Formerly known as the NOFA, […]

It has repeatedly been demonstrated and borne out through data that the prevalence of people involved in the justice system and experiencing homelessness is significant.  RTFH is working with Homebase, […]

Motivational Interviewing Training As RTFH continues to promote the implementation of the Homeless Outreach Standards,  training resources are being identified within the Standards for homeless outreach workers.  These training resources […]

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness is now the official name of the non-profit organization SAN DIEGO, CA., July 27, 2021 – What may seem like a minor change is […]

The 2021 PIT report is available now – click here to read.  

HUD requires every CoC to have adopted written standards that govern the provision of CoC and ESG funded programs. This includes standards for homelessness prevention, street outreach, emergency shelter, transitional […]

The Regional Task Force on Homelessness has made a revision to the Community Outreach Standards, in Section 14.3.  The updated version (Version 3) is attached – please click here. The […]

RTFH is Responsible for Tracking and Analyzing Data, Finding Gaps in the System SAN DIEGO, CA., April 20, 2021 – Addressing homelessness during a global pandemic has proven to be […]

The RTFH 2020 Homeless Response System Report can be found by clicking here.

SAN DIEGO, Mar 23, 2021 – Continuing to advance the focused effort to end veteran homelessness in the City of San Diego, the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) and […]

As part of the annual review of the CoC Governance Charter, the CoC has developed proposed Charter updates. The previous version of the Charter, version 6.0 is available here, and […]

Rapid Rehousing System-Wide Operating Standards of Practice The CoC’s RRH Standards of Practice can be found by clicking on this link.  This document is intended to serve as a guide […]

NEW REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON THE HOMELESS COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS INTERSECTION OF HEALTH AND HOMELESSNESS Link Between Health and Homelessness Has Been Magnified by Covid-19 Pandemic SAN DIEGO, CA., February […]

REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON THE HOMELESS ADDS VARIOUS RANGE OF EXPERTISE WITH NEW BOARD MEMBERS Seven New Board Members Bring Housing, Homelessness and Community Service to RTFH Continuum of Care […]

The Joint Application Was Selected Out of More Than 40 Proposals From Across The State

San Diego’s Authority on Homelessness Best Practices and Policies has Created Two New Boards to Better Lead the Region SAN DIEGO, CA., December 28, 2020 – Two boards rather than one will guide efforts by the Regional Taskforce on the Homeless (RTFH) to end homelessness in San Diego County, while enhancing the organization’s ability to bring critical funding to the region...

If you work with the unsheltered population and wish to assist in distributing power banks to the customers, please submit a request to us at COVID-Homeless@sdcounty.ca.gov. Please note that supplies are […]

A new contracted telehealth service has been developed that will make it easier for Homeless Outreach Workers to place individuals in isolation/quarantine should they need it. If a team on […]

On Fridays, the County provides statistics specifically related to people who are experiencing homelessness. Click here to view the data shared September 4, 2020.

2020 PIT Report The Regional Task for on the Homeless (RTFH) has released the 2020 Point in Time (PIT) WeAllCount report from the count that started on Jan. 23, 2020. Learn more about these newly released reports above by clicking on the title "2020 PIT/WeAllCount Report."

3/15/2020: Addendum date for Centralized Flexible Housing Pool Coordination and Housing Location Technology Platform 

As of today, all 2019 HUD CoC grants have now been awarded. Please see the attached letter for more information.

By Gary Warth June 2, 2026 Funding for a three-story, 68-room affordable housing project planned in Chula Vista is in jeopardy after members of the City Council and the community […]