Homeless Families Seek Respite From Winter Storm at East County Shelter
Wet Weather Expected Through Thursday

   SAN DIEGO — A winter storm that reached San Diego County early this morning has forced more homeless families to St. Vincent de Paul Village’s East County Seasonal Shelter, located at 1305 North Marshall in El Cajon.

   Since the 150-bed facility opened January 16, unusually warm and dry weather has kept many of El Cajon’s homeless from seeking shelter at the facility. But with forecasts yesterday of wet weather approaching the area, shelter operators reported 18 new intakes, including five families. Tony Sterzinger, St. Vincent’s seasonal shelter program manager, says the increase was expected.

   "There’s no question that San Diego’s recent dry weather has kept many homeless families and individuals from accessing bed space at the shelter," he says. "We fully expected and are prepared for a spike in the number of people seeking assistance as a result of the wet winter weather."

   Sterzinger says the exodus to the shelter will continue until the rain relents and by that time the facility could be full.

   "The possibility for the shelter to reach capacity over the next couple of days is very real, but that – in a way – is a positive," he says. "Ideally, the families and individuals who come to us for shelter from the rain will continue their stay so we can help them get back on their feet."

   Prior to the opening of the St. Vincent’s East County Seasonal Shelter, many of El Cajon’s homeless lived in a tent city on the grounds of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. While many residents of the makeshift encampment transitioned to the new sprung structure, others were concerned the new rules would be too restrictive and opted to live on the streets.

   "There are still people out there who refuse our help," Sterzinger says. "We do have rules, but they’re in place to help people rejoin mainstream society."

   Media may call (619) 525-1608 for more information on St. Vincent de Paul Village’s East County Seasonal Shelter.

# # #