The Safe Sleeping Initiative in San Diego is a city-led program designed to provide a legal and secure alternative to street encampments for people experiencing homelessness. Launched in 2023, the program features two main sites: "O" Lot near Balboa Park and "B" Lot downtown. Unlike traditional congregate shelters where people sleep in large rooms, this initiative provides individual or couple-sized tents on raised wooden platforms. The sites offer 24/7 security, meals, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. Crucially, the program provides case management and housing navigation services to help participants transition into permanent housing. It also accommodates pets, which is a major barrier for many people entering traditional shelters. By providing a "safe harbor," the city aims to reduce the health and safety risks associated with unsheltered living while simultaneously enforcing "sidewalk camping" bans. As of 2026, the program has expanded its capacity to accommodate over 500 individuals, serving as a key component of San Diego’s broader strategy to address the homelessness crisis.