With the end to homelessness as one of the city’s stated priorities, Mayor Kevin Faulconer and City Councilmember Todd Gloria March 24 won City Council approval for their push to create year-round indoor interim housing for the homeless to replace the temporary tents that have been used for years. “Everyone deserves a roof over their head and the opportunity for a better life, and that includes homeless individuals and veterans in need,” Faulconer said. “Moving away from temporary tents to a year-round program focused on helping people get off the streets for good is a game-changer.” Council unanimously approved a plan to spend nearly $1.9 million annually on an interim housing program operated by St. Vincent de Paul at its downtown campus, at 1501 Imperial Ave. The 350-bed program will assist as many as 2,835 homeless each year, more than three times the minimum served annually by the temporary tents. “This facility will be the front door to a coordinated system of homeless services,” Gloria said. “Moving this program to a year-round operation will help almost three times as many San Diegans move off the streets annually by connecting them with resources and shelter.” The program is scheduled to begin July 1 and include the following: • A minimum of 350 beds for homeless individuals on a nightly basis, equal to the number of beds currently provided by the temporary tents; • Up to 40 percent of beds set aside for homeless veterans; • 24-hour residential and security services; and • 45-day lengths of stay for residents. About 100 beds will be available in early April to assist with the three-month transition from the closing of the City’s temporary tents to the beginning of the interim housing program. All 350 beds will be available July 1.