SAN DIEGO — Twenty-one people are scheduled to move in Saturday to the city's second safe sleeping site called "The O-Lot."
CBS 8 spoke to an 80-year-old woman who wishes to remain anonymous who says she is grateful to stay at this safe sleeping site after struggling through some hard times.
"This tent is so nice in so many ways," she says.
It's the city’s second safe sleeping site and it's located near Balboa Park and the Naval Medical Center.
"I'm glad. I think this is better than where I was before. This looks like a much better situation," she says.
Councilmember for District 3 Stephen Whitburn says there are 21 tents right now, yet it has the capacity to have 400 tents and shelter 800 people.
People can access the tents through referrals only from outreach team members or San Diego Police officers.
The tents sit on a three inch platform to stay dry from the rain. The tents are insulated to keep people cool in warmer temperatures and warm in colder weather.
"I've forgotten how lucky you are to lie down and have a nice bed and clean water," said the woman staying at the safe sleeping site.
Whitburn says people will have access to meals, showers, laundry services and service providers to help people get back up on their feet and potentially into permanent housing and other needs.
"Whether it is care for addiction or mental health, people will need help and we are there for them," said Whitburn. "We know this works. We’ve seen a 35% decrease of encampments downtown and part of that is success is due to first safe sleeping site."
The City’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department says it’s working on a free shuttle service. It would take people from the sleeping site to downtown; so people can run errands, go to work or get access to other services.
For now, this woman who moved in Saturday is singing for joy.
"All I want is a room somewhere, far away from the cold night air with one enormous chair. Oh, wouldn't it be loverly?," she smiles as she sings lyrics from the movie, 'My Fair Lady.'
Next year, Whitburn says the city is planning to open another safe sleeping site near the airport.
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