Challenging the Ineffectiveness of Housing First and Advocating for Mental Health Solutions

As San Diego County grapples with a distressing 22% increase in homelessness, Supervisor Jim Desmond emerges as a leader who refuses to accept failed policies. Frustrated by the persistence of the issue while the State remains fixated on the ineffective tool of Housing First, Supervisor Desmond calls for addressing the root cause: mental health. Through his dedicated efforts, Supervisor Desmond stands up for his constituents and challenges the Democratic Party’s flawed approach to homelessness, advocating for practical solutions that provide meaningful assistance to those in need.

The visible presence of rows of tents lining downtown streets and overpasses during a Padres game brings to the forefront the pressing issue of homelessness in San Diego County. Supervisor Desmond understands that the situation demands immediate attention and effective solutions. He refuses to let failed policies persist and is determined to bring about meaningful change for the benefit of his constituents and the community as a whole.

Supervisor Desmond recognizes that mental health is the underlying cause of homelessness and should be at the forefront of any effective solution. Through his focus on providing behavioral health services, he has spearheaded initiatives such as Crisis Stabilization Units in Oceanside, Vista, and Escondido, along with securing $20 million from the County for psychiatric beds at Tri-City Medical Center. Moreover, his commitment to assisting vulnerable populations is evident in his support for One Safe Place in San Marcos, which aids women and families facing domestic violence, trafficking, and elder abuse. By prioritizing mental health services, Supervisor Desmond ensures a comprehensive approach to combating homelessness, targeting the root causes and offering individuals the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Desmond firmly believes that the State’s reliance on the one-size-fits-all Housing First approach is deeply flawed. Despite pouring over $10 billion of taxpayer money into “homeless solutions” in the past three years, homelessness rates continue to rise. He rightfully questions the effectiveness of this formula, which burdens communities with disastrous consequences while failing to address the root causes of homelessness. By challenging the Democratic Party’s stance on Housing First, Supervisor Desmond demonstrates his commitment to finding practical solutions that truly benefit the community.

Taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability for the exorbitant amount of money being spent on homelessness. Supervisor Desmond understands the frustration that arises when substantial funds fail to produce tangible results. He demands a thorough evaluation of the effectiveness of current strategies, highlighting the urgency of ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely. As a leader, Supervisor Desmond stands firmly on the side of his constituents, advocating for responsible allocation of resources to combat homelessness effectively.

Supervisor Jim Desmond’s unwavering commitment to challenging the status quo sets him apart as a leader who stands up for his constituents. By condemning the ineffective Housing First approach and advocating for mental health solutions, he offers a fresh perspective and a path forward that addresses the root causes of homelessness. Supervisor Desmond’s dedication to accountability and fiscal responsibility ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, benefiting those most in need.

Supervisor Desmond’s unwavering stance against failed Housing First policies demonstrates his leadership and commitment to finding effective solutions to San Diego County’s homelessness crisis. By prioritizing mental health services and challenging the Democratic Party’s approach, he advocates for a comprehensive and targeted strategy that addresses the root causes of homelessness. Supervisor Desmond’s dedication to accountability and fiscal responsibility ensures that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently to benefit the community. Voters can trust Supervisor Jim Desmond to be a strong

Supervisor Desmond’s Statement on San Diego’s Homeless Population Increasing By 22%

Homelessness continues to soar in San Diego County, with a staggering 22% rise within the past year. Last weekend, I went to a Padres game and saw rows and rows of tents lining downtown streets and overpasses. We are better than this, but failed policies persist while the State remains locked into the singular ineffective tool of Housing First. Let’s tackle the root cause: mental health.

North County San Diego is focused on behavioral health services:

• Crisis Stabilization Units along SR-78 in Oceanside, Vista, and Escondido.
• $20M from the County for psychiatric beds at Tri-City Medical Center.
• One Safe Place in San Marcos, aiding women and families facing domestic violence, trafficking, and elder abuse.

To combat homelessness effectively, the State must ditch its one-size-fits-all Housing First approach. Until then, billions more of taxpayer dollars will be wasted.

If this approach truly worked, we would be witnessing declining homelessness rates. However, the reality is that homelessness continues to rise, despite the State of California already squandering over $10 billion on “homeless solutions” in just the past three years. Housing First is a failed formula, burdening our communities with disastrous results.

The focus should be on providing mental health services. We must address the root causes of homelessness. Taxpayers deserve accountability for the exorbitant amount of money being spent, and they are rightfully tired of witnessing the homeless problem persist and grow.

Desmond