Inclement Weather Shelters Open for Homeless Due To Incoming Storms

SAN DIEGO — The Inclement Weather Shelter Program for San Diegans experiencing homelessness has been activated by the San Diego Housing Commission in partnership with the City of San Diego due to the incoming bad weather.

High winds, rain and mountain snow are predicted for San Diego and the surrounding communities today into Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

A flurry of warnings were issued for San Diego County in anticipation of the storm beginning Tuesday night through to Saturday afternoon including winter storm, high winds and dangerous surf warnings.

“The coldest storm of the season, and possibly of the last several years is expected to impact southwest #CAwx Wed-Fri or Sat with showers across coasts and valleys with mainly snow across the mountains and deserts,” NWS said on Twitter.

For the homeless, rain means little sleep, wet blankets and clothes, and dangerous health consequences, Father Joe's Villages, which runs the Joan Kroc Center and The Paul Mirabile Center, said.

"For people living on the streets of San Diego, hypothermia can occur in temperatures lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit," Father Joe's Villages said. "On top of the threat of hypothermia, cold and rainy weather makes neighbors experiencing homelessness more susceptible to negative health outcomes and chronic illness."

The San Diego Housing Commission calls for Inclement Weather Shelters to open when the temperature is 50 degrees or below and there is a 40 percent chance of rain; the temperature is 45 degrees or below regardless of a chance of rain; or in exceptional weather conditions, such as one or more inches of rain within 24 hours and sustained high winds.

The four shelters open Tuesday, February 14, 2023 are:

The Joan Kroc Center, 1501 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, holds up to 45 adult individuals and has an additional 10 beds for families with minor children and/or single women. Check-in begins at 4 p.m. and runs throughout the night until full. Check-out is at 5 a.m.

The Paul Mirabile Center, at 1501 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, holds up to 40 adult individuals. Check-in begins at 4 p.m. and will remain ongoing throughout the night until full. Check-out is at 5 a.m.

Living Water Church of the Nazarene, 1550 Market Street, San Diego, holds up to 28 adult individuals with check-in from 8 to 10 p.m. or until full. Check-out is 6:30 a.m.

San Diego Rescue Mission, 120 Elm Street, San Diego, holds up to 10 single women. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m. and runs throughout the night until full. Check-out is at 7 a.m.

The Inclement Weather Shelter Program is a partnership of the San Diego Housing Commission, City of San Diego, Father Joe’s Villages, San Diego Rescue Mission, and Living Water Church of the Nazarene.

For more information on the Inclement Weather Shelter Program, click here.