Little Italy Unhoused Outreach & Public Safety Program
The Little Italy Association of San Diego (LIA) will conclude its Enhanced Security and Outreach Services program—operated through the San Diego Rescue Mission (SDRM)—on July 1, 2025, due to recent changes in City Council policy regarding the eligible use of Parking District funds.
The program, which began in July 2022, was developed and fully funded by LIA to strengthen neighborhood safety, civil order and accessibility. Through this initiative, SDRM provided trained personnel with lived experience to patrol the district’s 48 blocks, keep pedestrian walkways clear, report public safety issues, and offer light outreach services to both housed and unhoused individuals. These services were designed to complement LIA’s broader efforts in maintenance and public safety.
The program was funded with an annual allocation of $150,000 - $112,500 from Little Italy’s Parking District revenues and $37,500 from unrestricted revenues raised by the Association. However, under the City’s recently amended policy, enhanced security services are no longer considered an eligible expense, and LIA is no longer permitted to use Parking District funds to support this type of programming.
Although SDRM’s involvement will conclude, LIA will continue deploying staff to monitor public areas and report concerns to the San Diego Police Department and relevant City, County and State agencies. LIA remains fully committed to maintaining a clean, safe, orderly and vibrant community and is actively pursuing alternative funding options to restore this level of outreach and security support in the future.