SAN DIEGO — The City of San Diego began clearing out encampments Tuesday under the I-5 freeway near Friars Road along the San Diego River.
“I mean there were dozens of people living on and around this island, and they’ve been here for a significant amount of time accumulating items that they’ve had in their encampments,” said Franklin Coopersmith, Deputy Director of the City's Environmental Services Department.
CBS 8 showed you the “island,” as it’s called, back in August when an estimated 40 people were living in the encampment with tents and furniture. Our cameras captured people using rafts to cross the water on high tide.
After four months of consistent outreach to people living in this part of the riverbed, the City began the massive undertaking to clean it up with a multi-agency effort.
“There’s two-story structures in there, I probably saw at least a dozen solar panels, there’s car batteries, generators," said Coopersmith. "It was a little city in there, so it does take time and effort to make sure we’re bringing everything out of there.”
In 2023, the City of San Diego received a $3.6 million grant from the State of California aimed at working with individuals to identify secure options that are best suited for their need, before removing unsafe encampments and debris.
The Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program provides dedicated, ongoing financial assistance to ensure stable options are available for people living in encampments.
Ketra Carter, program manager for the City’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department told CBS 8 it can be a struggle at times to convince people experiencing homelessness to accept services.
“I’ve been doing this a really long time. The disappointment is real," said Carter. "You have to celebrate those little successes and that’s what keeps you going because someone finally said yes.”
San Diego Fire-Rescue and Lifeguards have made numerous water rescues in this area in years past.
“We are concerned that as soon as the rains happen, the waters will go up," said Coopersmith. "Right now, we have about a six-foot tide coming in, and if we have water coming down, that is a life-or-death situation out there.”
Crews will be cleaning up the site through Friday. The abatement is part of a multi-phased approach to offer services and address encampments along the entire San Diego River.