By Gary Warth
April 2, 2026
VISTA – Vista officials say the city is making measurable progress on homelessness — but growing frustration over delays in opening a permanent shelter dominated a City Council workshop this week.
More than 200 people have been housed through city efforts, with hundreds more connected to services. Still, councilmembers said the lack of movement on a long-promised shelter and navigation center is a major concern.
“There have been millions of dollars put toward a permanent navigation center, only for us to not be taking any action on it,” Councilmember Katie Melendez said.
The city has already committed significant resources to the effort, including $4.5 million to purchase a site, along with an additional $1.85 million in state and federal funding. But nearly a year after contracting with the San Diego Rescue Mission to operate a 50-bed facility, Vista has yet to secure a location.
Councilmembers questioned whether the city should expand its search, including pursuing off-market properties, as frustration mounted over the lack of progress.
At the same time, officials raised concerns about external pressures — particularly a county-run hotel voucher program that temporarily places people in Vista.
After vouchers expire, some individuals remain in the city, shifting the burden to local services, according to staff.
“When the 30-day voucher program is up, I feel the burden is falling on us,” Councilmember Dan O’Donnell said, questioning whether the county is doing enough to track and support those individuals.
Mayor John Franklin also raised concerns about whether services themselves may be drawing people to Vista, saying the city must balance compassion with long-term sustainability.
Despite those concerns, the workshop highlighted significant activity across multiple programs.
Vista has committed $28.7 million toward homelessness efforts, with $13.8 million spent to date. Funding has come primarily from the state (65%), followed by local sources (30%) and federal funding (5%).
City programs include:
- Buena Creek Navigation Center, which has served 315 people, with 192 positive exits, including 92 into housing
- Vista Housing Innovation Pilot Program, which has housed 60 of 95 participants
- Safe parking program, which has served 272 clients
- Emergency rental assistance, helping residents avoid homelessness
Outreach efforts have also expanded, with 815 clients served, including many experiencing long-term homelessness.
At the same time, the city has increased enforcement and cleanup efforts, removing 478 encampments and clearing 124 tons of debris from public spaces.
Officials said the city’s strategy focuses on three goals: preventing homelessness, improving quality of life for those on the streets, and expanding long-term housing solutions.
But without a permanent shelter, several councilmembers said those efforts remain incomplete.
