San Diego Homeless Camp Lawsuit
Eight residents of homeless camps in San Diego have filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging “inhumane conditions.”
The plaintiffs assert that these camps are far from safe. According to the lawsuit, which was filed on August 25 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, the camps fail to meet the needs of those with disabilities, creating an “untenable” situation. They claim the living conditions are seriously harming their mental and physical health, highlighting issues like mold, which extends to personal belongings.
The city of San Diego has enlisted the help of non-profit organizations Dreams For Change and Downtown Partnership to manage two specific camps, namely at 20th and B and O Lot. The 20th and B site has been operational for just over two years, while the O Lot opened in late 2023. Reports indicate that one site has suffered from heavy rainfall, leading to evacuations, while another has seen outbreaks of illness. Residents have voiced concerns about rats and extreme temperatures.
Tim Allen, who has spent nearly two years at one of these camps, shared his experience regarding the rat situation with CBS8 San Diego. He described how, when new tents were introduced, numerous rats scurried out from underneath his floor.
Laura Zaleta, who is disabled and resides at O Lot, echoed concerns about mice infiltrating the area. “I have a phobia of mice, so just hearing them is unsettling,” she told CBS 8.
At 60 years old and using a walker, Zaleta spoke with the San Diego Union-Tribune, stating, “The conditions are deplorable for anyone with a disability. Sometimes, I feel safer sleeping on the streets.”
The lawsuit lists Timothy Allen and Laura Zaleta as plaintiffs, with the camps operating under the city’s “Safe Sleeping Program.” Supporters of these programs argue that they have been effective in assisting individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness for over a year. City spokesperson Matt Hoffman noted that over half of the 1,787 individuals who stayed in the camps in the last fiscal year were considered chronically homeless.
