Resident Services » Public Safety

Homeless Overview

The City of El Cajon is taking a firm, yet compassionate stance to combat homelessness and connect individuals in need with resources and services available. In addition to supporting organizations that address homelessness, the City has held town halls across the City for community members to attend and ask questions, connected with the business community to address concerns, and collaborated with faith-based organizations to find solutions.

Video: Documentary on the Frontlines of Homelessness and Enforcement

In December 2023, the El Cajon Police Department released a 35-minute short film documentary that follows ECPD's Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) and provides a candid look into the complexities of homelessness in our City. This revealing documentary captures the heart of El Cajon's approach to quality of life issues and showcases SEU's compassionate yet firm interaction with the homeless community. From encampments in canals to the hard truths about substance abuse and the refusal to shelter, this film explores the delicate balance between law enforcement and social care. See firsthand the challenges faced by both the SEU and those living on the streets, as well as the efforts to connect individuals with the resources they need. This film is a raw, unfiltered portrayal of the City's commitment to addressing homelessness, understanding its causes, and seeking long-term solutions. It goes beyond the badge, shedding light on a topic that affects every corner of our community.

 

Recent Reports:  

         

Produced by students at El Cajon Valley High School, this video highlights some of the programs that El Cajon administers to address homelessness, featuring community partners like the ECTLC and the Salvation Army.

Overview

Homelessness has become a reality across East County, and we are aware that this issue comes with many questions and concerns. El Cajon is coming together to address the crisis of those currently experiencing homelessness move into safer places and toward a permanent home and better future.

The City recognizes that the crisis has been years in the making, and it cannot be solved overnight. But the City of El Cajon is deploying resources in coordination with our partners to make progress.

 

The City's Impact on Homelessness

Since 2017, the City of EI Cajon's efforts have been tremendous on the impacts of homelessness. A significant amount of resources (staff time and funds) have been invested into the community. The City's comprehensive programs not only help house those who are currently experiencing homelessness, but they have also initiated clean-up efforts in our parks and neighborhoods.

The City of El Cajon is committed to being a city where all are welcome, where people are supported and where everyone has an opportunity to thrive. The City is committed to making a difference by coordinating with County partners, including the County Homeless Taskforce, local businesses, community faith groups, and nonprofit partners to engage our homeless population

As we think about solutions to homelessness in our city, we want to ensure they are:

  • Oriented toward finding housing for those experiencing homelessness
  • Responsive to the concerns and impacts that homelessness has on the greater community
  • Inclusive of an approach that relies one variety of partners in order to make a substantial impact          

Homeless 

Immediate Assistance

  • If there's something that you're specifically concerned about, like trash or alley issues, submit a service request with a detailed description at www.elcajon.gov/service or call 619-441-1658.
  • If you run a local business and would like to connect with the local police about keeping the area safe, call El Cajon Police Non-Emergency 619-579-3311
  • If there is suspicious activity going on, connect to officers in your neighborhood by calling the Police Dispatch at 619-579-3311 or visit www.elcajonpolice.org
  • If there is a medical emergency or you feel threatened in any way, call 9-1-1.