{"id":9617,"date":"2023-05-01T11:43:09","date_gmt":"2023-05-01T18:43:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegonewsdesk.com\/?p=9617"},"modified":"2023-05-01T11:43:09","modified_gmt":"2023-05-01T18:43:09","slug":"san-diegos-homelessness-crisis-democrats-failed-approach-and-supervisor-jim-desmonds-call-to-action","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegonewsdesk.com\/?p=9617","title":{"rendered":"San Diego’s Homelessness Crisis: Democrats’ Failed Approach and Supervisor Jim Desmond’s Call to Action"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why are we seeing more and more homeless people on the streets? It\u2019s a question every San Diegan is asking themselves. Despite billions of dollars being spent, why is the problem only worsening? One of the biggest reasons is the State\u2019s approach, Housing First.<\/p>\n

Housing First prioritizes immediate, \u201clow barrier\u201d access to housing for those living on the streets. While this may sound like an admirable mission, the requirements for living in housing is\u2026 nothing! There aren\u2019t any requirements for conditions or milestones such as sobriety or compliance with treatment.<\/p>\n

This may work well for a family or individuals who have a sudden loss of income and need a place to temporarily get back on their feet. But for individuals with drug or alcohol addiction or significant mental health challenges, or (too often) all of the above, rules, support and structure are needed.<\/p>\n

Today, nearly 1 in 3 homeless people live in San Diego. Housing First is a significant reason why numbers have continued to rise in San Diego. Rather than shift gears and look for a new solution, or a more complete menu of options and approaches, the State has doubled down on Housing First, despite its repeated failures. State and Federal funding comes with requirements to be housing first only.<\/p>\n

We have some fantastic local organizations that can truly help the homeless with treatment, services, support and housing to get them back on their feet. One such organization is Solutions for Change, a North County service provider. Unfortunately, their government funding was pulled because they would not allow people to use drugs and alcohol in their program.<\/p>\n

The reality is that homelessness will continue to grow unless State politicians change their Housing First mindset and address the root causes such as drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness. Data shows three in four people sleeping on sidewalks or in tents under overpasses are there mainly because they suffer from drug addiction and mental illness. It\u2019s not a housing problem; it\u2019s a government problem. Politicians need to change their mindset if they genuinely want to help those suffering on the street.<\/p>\n

San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond is one of the few politicians who have been vocal about the government’s failure to address the homelessness crisis effectively. He has repeatedly called out the Democratic Party for their ineffective governance, and he is right to do so. San Diegans need to elect more leaders like Supervisor Desmond, who are willing to take bold actions to solve this crisis and improve the lives of our most vulnerable citizens.<\/p>\n

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Homelessness Continues to Rise<\/a><\/h1>\n
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Why are we seeing more and more homeless people on the streets? It\u2019s a question every San Diegan is asking themselves. Despite billions of dollars being spent, why is the problem only worsening? One of the biggest reasons is the State\u2019s approach, Housing First.<\/p>\n

\"HousingFirst\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Housing First prioritizes immediate, \u201clow barrier\u201d access to housing for those living on the streets. While this may sound like an admirable mission, the requirements for living in housing is\u2026 nothing! There aren\u2019t any requirements for conditions or milestones such as sobriety or compliance with treatment.<\/p>\n

This may work well for a family or individuals who have a sudden loss of income and need a place to temporarily get back on their feet. But for individuals with drug or alcohol addiction or significant mental health challenges, or (too often) all of the above, rules, support and structure are needed.<\/p>\n

Today, nearly 1 in 3 homeless people live in California. Housing First is a significant reason why numbers have continued to rise in California. Rather than shift gears and look for a new solution, or a more complete menu of options and approaches, the State has doubled down on Housing First, despite its repeated failures. State and Federal funding comes with requirements to be housing first only.<\/p>\n

We have some fantastic local organizations that can truly help the homeless with treatment, services, support\u00a0and<\/em>\u00a0housing to get them back on their feet. One such organization is Solutions for Change, a North County service provider. Unfortunately, their government funding was pulled because they would not allow people to use drugs and alcohol in their program.<\/p>\n

The reality is that homelessness will continue to grow unless State politicians change their Housing First mindset and address the root causes such as drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness. Data shows three in four people sleeping on sidewalks or in tents under overpasses are there mainly because they suffer from drug addiction and mental illness. It\u2019s not a housing problem; it\u2019s a government problem. Politicians need to change their mindset if they genuinely want to help those suffering on the street.<\/p>\n

San Diego County District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond
\nhttp:\/\/www.supervisorjimdesmond.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Why are we seeing more and more homeless people on the streets? It\u2019s a question every San Diegan is asking themselves. Despite billions of dollars being spent, why is the problem only worsening? One of the biggest reasons is the State\u2019s approach, Housing First. 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