The court was started 15 years ago following a request from homeless veterans. Today, the program has become a national model for other cities.

"We haven't solved the homeless problem in San Diego. But this is a small part of the solution," said Superior Court Judge Peter Deddeh, who often presides over the monthly sessions.

Many of the people who come before Deddeh have been arrested or ticketed for sleeping on the sidewalk, drinking or urinating in public, or riding mass transit without paying. Most are unable to pay their fines or have no way to get to court. Others are afraid of being sent to jail.

Through the homeless court, individuals can have their records cleared so that they can qualify for certain housing programs, job training, and addiction treatment.

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