Fox News now offers the convenience of listening to their articles. In California, the problem of homelessness seems to worsen despite the billions of dollars spent on “housing first” efforts. One of the root causes of the problem is the state’s sole approach, which prioritizes immediate, “low barrier” access to housing for those living on the streets. While providing housing to tenants is admirable, it’s problematic when there are no requirements, conditions, or milestones such as sobriety or compliance with treatment or self-improvement. Providing free housing without any accountability or requirements for drug treatment perpetuates homelessness for those addicted to drugs or alcohol and with severe mental health issues. Supporting them requires rules, support, and accountability to integrate back into society.
Unfortunately, California mandates that all state-funded homeless programs align with the core principles of Housing First, which includes providing housing to tenants irrespective of their substance use. Even counties or non-profits aren’t eligible for state funding if they add requirements that residents must be in treatment, or cannot use drugs or alcohol. The problem is exacerbated as the state continues to squander tens of billions of dollars on “homeless solutions” that don’t work. Between 2005 and 2016, chronic homelessness in California decreased by 51%, but Housing First caused a devastating reversal, leading to a staggering 93% increase between 2016 and 2022.
One in three homeless individuals in the country now resides in California as the homeless count drops in the rest of the nation. For real help, we must tackle the root causes of homelessness, including mental health and addiction. Taxpayers deserve accountability for the exorbitant amount of money being spent, and it’s time to reclaim our parks, freeway on-ramps, sidewalks, open nature, homes, and businesses from the grips of homelessness. It’s time to stem the tide of failed government policies that perpetuate the cycle of homelessness.
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