Lemon Grove begins rehousing project for nearly 100 homeless individuals near State Route 94.
LEMON GROVE, Calif. — The City of Lemon Grove has initiated the first phase of its project to rehouse nearly 100 homeless individuals living near State Route 94. The effort, funded by an $8.4 million grant received in March, aims to provide permanent housing and essential services to the unhoused population in the area.
"I am on track to be housed any day now, I should be offered a place to go look at any time," said Elliott Bender, a man experiencing homelessness who has been living on the streets of Lemon Grove for the past few months.
The project, a collaboration between the City of Lemon Grove and the Regional Taskforce on Homelessness, focuses on relocating individuals from the area near State Route 94 to permanent housing. The initiative will progress zone by zone, starting from the College Avenue exit to the 125.
Kris Freed, a managing partner involved in the project, emphasized the willingness of the homeless population to engage in the rehousing efforts.
"When you talk to folks about opportunities to move into permanent housing, they want to engage, they want to look for units that will meet their needs," said Freed.
The comprehensive approach includes providing medical and psychiatric services before rehousing individuals within the community. Lemon Grove Mayor Alysson Snow highlighted the broader impact of the project, stating, "This is helping our businesses, it's increasing the safety of the community and it's providing real hope and help to those that need it the most."
For individuals like Bender, who have been without a home for three years, the project represents a significant turning point.
"Mostly, I feel an overwhelming sense of relief, just a huge weight is off of these shoulders," said Bender.
The first phase of the project is expected to rehouse all targeted individuals within the next eight weeks. The city has a two-year timeframe to utilize the entirety of the grant funding, signaling a long-term commitment to addressing homelessness in Lemon Grove.
As the project progresses, it aims to challenge misconceptions about homelessness. Freed, who was once homeless herself 27 years ago, stated, "Often we hear that people living in or experiencing homelessness do not want permanent housing; we're here to bust that myth."
The initiative not only provides housing but also restores dignity to those in need.
"I would say thank you from the bottom of my heart, really, really thank you, you made me feel like a human being again," Bender said.