Santa Clara County is facing budget cuts of nearly $7 million, threatening critical services, including a successful outreach program by the Public Defender's Office aimed at providing legal aid to homeless individuals. This initiative began during the COVID-19 lockdown and evolved from basic relief efforts into comprehensive legal support, helping individuals clear their criminal records. Advocates argue these services are essential for breaking the cycle of homelessness. The cuts are set to impact pre-arraignment services, which have proven vital in reducing individuals' pretrial jail time, frustrating local officials and advocates alike.
"It is really frustrating to see the cuts from positions that really are about prevention and early intervention," District 4 Supervisor Susan Ellenberg said.
"Once we started doing that, we started seeing significant outcomes. I can say it definitely changes peoples' lives," Deputy Public Defender Jake Rhodes told San José Spotlight.
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