A recent study reveals that emergency financial assistance reduces the risk of homelessness by 81%. However, San Jose's approach, led by Mayor Matt Mahan's punitive policies against unhoused residents, risks exacerbating the problem. Individuals who have experienced homelessness, like Raymond, Adrianne, and Cassandra, argue that solutions should focus on appropriate support rather than criminalization. Their experiences highlight the inadequacies of current systems and the importance of personalized services to truly address the root causes of homelessness.
Each of us was able to eventually make it out of homelessness not because we were forced into shelter, but because we were able to access services appropriate to our own needs.
Raymond needed mental health support and a safe space to recover - not more contact with a carceral system that already disproportionately harms Black San Jose residents.
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