SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Disturbing accusations are coming from one of San Diego’s safe camps for the homeless, alleging unsanitary conditions and a rat infestation.
Several residents of O Lot, one of two safe camp sites operated by the city, report deteriorating conditions that they say are making them ill.
Images provided by the San Diego Housing Emergency Alliance show alleged evidence of rats at the site, which is operated by “Dreams for Change.” Both the city and the operator deny that there is a significant infestation or health issues.
“I woke up with a rat staring me in the face,” said Rebecca Yunckes, a resident at O Lot. She and others claim not enough is being done to protect them from the rodents.
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“We don’t even have any food in our tent, nothing like that at all, so I don’t understand why they’re coming,” Yunckes added.
Jeffrey Bradley, another resident, shared similar concerns. “Even the most disgusting person I know wouldn’t accept these conditions — rats crawling on our faces — we have to cover our heads with blankets at night, but they still crawl all over us.”
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Coleen Cusack, a coordinator for the San Diego Housing Emergency Alliance and a candidate for District 3 City Council, held a press conference Thursday to highlight the issue. Cusack, however, denied using the allegations as a political stunt.
“On Tuesday of this week, rats were discovered in the water source for the camp,” Cusack said. “It is unknown how long residents have been drinking this rat contaminated water.”
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In response, a city spokesperson issued a statement denying the claims, calling it an isolated rodent situation that was quickly addressed by pest control. The statement also said the county health department confirmed that conditions were being handled safely and appropriately. According to the city, a small number of rodents were found near one water dispenser, which was immediately shut down, and new dispensers were being delivered.
The city also rejected the assertion that the water source had been tainted by rats.
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Despite these reassurances, Yunckes remains unconvinced. “Put us somewhere — anywhere but here. Clean it up, and we’ll come back to tents,” she said.
A petition calling for increased safety measures at the camp has gotten dozens of signatures, but city officials maintain that corrective actions are already in place.
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