Yes, billions have been spent on homelessness in California.
And yes, the problem is still getting worse.
But while zoning laws, law enforcement and services for mental health and addiction all play a part in the solution, several state and local leaders believe only an enormous investment from the federal government can pull the country out of the hole.
“I fear that it’s going to require Congress to move on the big picture,” said Margot Kushel, a medical doctor, UC San Francisco professor and co-author of a massive study on homelessness in the state.
Kushel was one of more than 100 people who gathered at the Carlsbad City Library on Thursday for an “Ending Homelessness Summit,” organized by state Sen. Catherine Blakespear. The panelists, who included government and nonprofit leaders, largely agreed with an expanding body of research that a lack of affordable housing is the primary driver of homelessness.
Kushel said more funds were needed for rental assistance or other direct aid that helps make ends meet, especially in places as expensive as San Diego. In cheaper states, she estimated that homelessness could almost be eliminated within months if the United States ramped up those programs.
“The private market cannot solve this problem without getting more subsidies,” she added.
Several people highlighted the investments already made in housing vouchers for those who have served in the military. Nationwide, the number of homeless veterans dropped by more than half between 2010 and 2022, according to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.
“It was a long-term investment, and it has proven successful,” said Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness. While the federal government annually gives San Diego County around $30 million for a range of services, some of that goes to maintaining housing for people who used to be on the street, Kohler said.
Blakespear, the state senator, said California should similarly reconsider how it funds homelessness programs. Currently, the money is often allocated in one-year increments, making it difficult to plan for the future, she said.
Blakespear also continues to push for Senate Bill 7, which would require cities to boost their housing based on the number of people living on local streets.
In addition, Lisa Jones, a top official with the San Diego Housing Commission, suggested putting more pressure on companies with large workforces to aid in developing and finding homes.
Yet in the short term, area leaders are both asking police to more forcefully clear encampments and exploring a number of new shelters.
Parking garages have been evaluated as possible sites for legal camping, said Betsy Brennan, head of the Downtown San Diego Partnership, which recently expanded its work to co-manage one of the city’s new safe sleeping sites.
Futhermore, San Diego has been looking at a vacant structure near the the airport and Liberty Station to potentially house hundreds. Councilmember Joe LaCava defended H Barracks, by the Naval Training Center, as a good use of an empty building.
Some residents are pushing back, and nearly 3,000 people have signed a petition on change.org to say the shelter would be too close to several schools.
