A Pragmatic Approach For The Unsheltered

The number of people that are unsheltered is growing because rents have risen beyond affordability on the few units available for rent. This crisis demands action from all parts of our community: government, community organizations and individuals. In June, the Supreme Court ruled that local governments can arrest or fine people for sleeping outside when adequate shelter is not available.

Arrests, fines, jail time and criminal records make it more difficult for individuals who are unsheltered to access housing, health services and employment. When we arrest someone, we fill our jails at a cost of $240 a day per person. Is that how we want to spend our tax money?

What works is providing individuals with access to supportive services, such as, mental health, addiction services and employment assistance. I would engage with community partners to coordinate resources and provide options to the people who are unsheltered.

I would continue to advocate for accessible and safe shelters; I would promote the continued use of proactive street outreach from our law enforcement and Behavioral Health Department to connect unsheltered people with resources.