To accomplish these goals, political science students partnered with the City of San Diego and the Sage Project at San Diego State University to prepare an objective analysis of the program. Data was gathered from the San Diego Police Department, Mental Health Systems, and other agencies in order to present a snapshot of the effectiveness and efficiency of SIP. All comparisons were made between what SIP offers, in terms of treatments and costs, to the alternative of letting the target population continue without assistance. At the end of the project, we found evidence that SIP has been effective in reducing the number of homeless individuals who suffer from serial inebriation and also offers substantial cost savings to local governments.

The apparent effectiveness and efficiency of SIP prompted us to recommend an expansion of this model to other homeless populations. In addition, we recommend ways to make SIP more effective at its own goals. In short, we recommend that SIP expand its eligibility classifications, aim for better communication among and between agencies, and create an avenue for post-treatment tracking of those who complete the program. As a part of the cost-benefit analysis, we also recommend that a separate report be completed singularly on the costs and benefits of SIP. Without the concerted effort of all those involved, this report would not have been possible. For that, we are grateful and hope this report shows the progress and impact that the Serial Inebriate Program has and will continue to have in San Diego.

The Sage Project Contact Info
Kristofer Patron
Program Administrator
kpatron@sdsu.edu
(619) 594-0103

University Faculty Contact
Brian Adams
Political Science

Local Government / Community Contact

Police

We interviewed the homeless residents of the East Village regarding the services they access, their desire to obtain permanent housing, and their interactions with law enforcement—both the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) in general and the SDPD’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT).

Our findings indicate that access to permanent housing for homeless individuals remains low. Major barriers to housing include: difficulty meeting requirements, such as delays in qualifying for and receiving Supplemental Security Income; the expense of housing in San Diego and the dwindling availability of single room occupancy facilities; the lack of safety in some temporary housing options that serve as a pipeline to permanent housing, including shelters and transitional housing; and the inability of current housing options to deal with issues of addiction, especially for active drug users. Our research participants vocalized a need for more sensitivity on the part of the City and the SDPD in general to the various circumstances which precipitate homelessness, rather than a blanket assumption of deviance. Our participants also vocalized the need for safe outdoor spaces, lockers, and bathrooms for those living on the streets while awaiting housing. While there is ample awareness among homeless individuals of the HOT’s presence, the team faces an array of obstacles in connecting homeless individuals in need with available resources. Barriers, including coordination across diverse service providers and a dearth of skilled nursing facilities in the local area, and recommendations for the HOT are discussed.

Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.

The Sage Project Contact Info
Kristofer Patron
Program Administrator
kpatron@sdsu.edu
(619) 594-0103

University Faculty Contact
Megan Welsh
Criminal Justice

Local Government / Community Contact

Community Development