Curious to hear different opinions and approaches. I live in one of the most homeless infected areas of the USA (southern calif). It's been a prob for many years but has gotten very bad lately. The fentanyl crisis has greatly exacerbated the issue and turned it into a full blown health crisis. Todd Gloria, mayor of SD instituted a fairly strict "3 warning" policy of not allowing encampments, because now that Covid distancing rules are no more, we have sufficient shelter space. However the local judge ruled that the ordinance is unlawful and cannot be enforced. Thus we have made no no progress getting people off the street.
What's worse, due to our ideal weather, many people who are evicted or otherwise lose their homes in other states find their way to the region to take advantage of the services afforded to homeless (good shelters, refresh centers, laundry services, health checks etc). Additionally, many right wing mayors in other areas literally give their homeless populations 1 way bus tickets to places like SD, LA, SF etc.
I have been involved in volunteer orgs trying to help, and I have talked to numerous folks on the street. Many many (most?) don't want to be off the street. They embrace the conditions which allow them to live free without responsibility and essentially without laws. You can put them in a shelter, even give them a job and wage, but many of them will be right back on the street. Now, 98% of them are perpetually strung out on fent, crack, or heroin.
So, how in the hell do we fix this? Keep in mind that this problem exists all over the country (and world) and not just in blue states. Appalachia, the Midwest, etc...all have major issues.
Sorry for random post but I'm sitting in the airport for the next couple hours and would love to hear yalls solutions.
WDE fam
What's worse, due to our ideal weather, many people who are evicted or otherwise lose their homes in other states find their way to the region to take advantage of the services afforded to homeless (good shelters, refresh centers, laundry services, health checks etc). Additionally, many right wing mayors in other areas literally give their homeless populations 1 way bus tickets to places like SD, LA, SF etc.
I have been involved in volunteer orgs trying to help, and I have talked to numerous folks on the street. Many many (most?) don't want to be off the street. They embrace the conditions which allow them to live free without responsibility and essentially without laws. You can put them in a shelter, even give them a job and wage, but many of them will be right back on the street. Now, 98% of them are perpetually strung out on fent, crack, or heroin.
So, how in the hell do we fix this? Keep in mind that this problem exists all over the country (and world) and not just in blue states. Appalachia, the Midwest, etc...all have major issues.
Sorry for random post but I'm sitting in the airport for the next couple hours and would love to hear yalls solutions.
WDE fam
