US EditionHomeless People Sue San Diego over Alleged 'Inhumane Conditions' at Safe Sleeping Sites
The lawsuit claims nearly 800 tents at two San Diego camps lack adequate shelter and food, worsening health conditions for residents with disabilities, including retaliation for complaints.
- Ann Menasche filed a federal lawsuit Monday on behalf of eight unhoused plaintiffs with disabilities alleging the City of San Diego, Dreams for Change and Downtown San Diego Partnership worsen residents' health at two safe sleeping lots.
- The Safe Sleeping Program was created to offer tents, meals, and case workers as alternatives to street encampments, with the 20th and B site opening a little more than two years ago and the larger O Lot following in late 2023.
- Residents described rodent issues and limited handicap facilities, with Tim Allen saying `When they brought in the new tents they pulled up my plan and there was about 20 rats ran out there was a big ol tent that was under my tent, under my floor.`
- The filing asks the court to order reforms at two lots near Balboa Park; city staff said pest control visits occur several times monthly and a July 17 inspection found no visible rats but suggested more trap checks.
- Plaintiffs say they want reforms rather than closure; San Diego city officials report the sites served 1,787 individuals last fiscal year, despite ongoing calls for shutdown from a United Nations representative.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Cal Matters
Residents sue San Diego over tent encampment conditions
Rows of tents at the O Lot Safe Sleeping site in San Diego on Aug. 12, 2024. Photo by Adriana Heldiz, CalMatters From CalMatters homelessness reporter Marisa Kendall: As California cities increasingly crack down on homeless encampments, most still lack enough shelter beds. So, in order to give people a place to go that isn’t a city street, some places are creating sanctioned camps, where people sleep on a designated lot in tents purchased by th…
Lawsuit filed over unsanitary conditions at San Diego safe sleeping sites
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A group of people who stay at safe sleeping sites in San Diego are launching a federal lawsuit to address what they call inhumane living conditions, among other issues. "We are challenging this lawsuit, this shockingly unsafe, unsanitary, discriminatory and inhumane conditions of the two tent camps in the city's Orwellian-named 'safe sleeping program," Attorney Ann Menasche said. City announces opening of first saf…
Group of Homeless Sue City of San Diego Over Unhealthy Conditions at Designated Camping Areas
By Blake Nelson / The San Diego Union-Tribune / August 26, 2025 Several residents of San Diego’s designated camping areas for homeless people are suing to overhaul the program, alleging that both lots are dirty, lack quality food and remain unequipped to aid those with disabilities. The safe sleeping sites hold hundreds of two-person tents near Balboa Park. Each location is “rodent infested” and a “fire hazard,” according to the lawsuit filed M…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
