San Diego County’s homelessness crisis remains one of our most pressing issues. It’s not due to a lack of effort or effective interventions. Last month, 1,151 people overcame homelessness in our county, many through organizations like Interfaith Community Services, which offers housing solutions and support.
Yet for the 29th consecutive month, more people — 1,352 — fell into homelessness for the first time. These facts show that the lack of affordable housing is the best predictor of homelessness.
As the cost of living rises, seniors on fixed incomes can no longer afford housing, families are one emergency away from losing their homes, and transition-aged youth and veterans are finding themselves unhoused in greater numbers.
These challenges make it more important than ever to invest in programs that prevent homelessness — and why Proposition 36 on the November ballot poses a serious threat. Proposition 36 proposes increasing penalties for certain drug and theft crimes, requiring more resources for courts and incarceration.
This means fewer funds for programs that help people overcome homelessness — programs like mental health and substance use treatment, supportive housing, and job training for those re-entering society after incarceration.
At Interfaith Community Services, we see firsthand how these programs make a critical difference in breaking the cycle of homelessness.
In contrast, Prop 47, passed by nearly 60% of California voters in 2014, prioritized rehabilitation and treatment over incarceration for minor, nonviolent offenses. It created the Safe Neighborhood Schools Fund, which locally supports programs with a proven track record of reducing unemployment, recidivism, and homelessness.
San Diego County recently received additional Prop 47 funds to expand supportive housing for individuals with severe mental illness and involvement with the criminal justice system. These programs work — and should be expanded, not cut.
Interfaith has been a leader in providing supportive housing, helping individuals and families regain stability and avoid long-term homelessness.
There’s a persistent myth that substance abuse and mental health issues are the primary causes of homelessness. It’s understandable why people might think that — too often, we see unsheltered individuals experiencing visible mental health struggles.
But the reality is that homelessness itself causes mental health decline, and substance use often rises after someone becomes homeless. Homelessness devastates physical and mental health, and accessing services becomes exceptionally difficult once someone is on the street.
Rather than increasing penalties for those suffering from mental health and substance use disorders—often as a result of their homelessness — it makes more sense to provide treatment, education, and affordable housing. Proposition 36 risks undoing the progress we’ve made by diverting resources back to punitive measures that have historically failed. Interfaith is working to ensure that solutions, not punishment, remain at the forefront.
California has successfully reduced its prison population from a peak of 173,600 in 2007 to around 90,000 today, while violent and property crime remains well below historical peaks. As housing becomes more unaffordable, homelessness continues to rise.
Incarceration and homelessness disproportionately impact historically marginalized communities, reflecting structural racism and inequities in our systems. Prop 47 took steps toward supporting, rather than punishing, people struggling with homelessness, mental health, and addiction. Let’s not undo that progress.
We cannot afford to divest from programs addressing the root causes of homelessness, especially now that we are seeing success. This is a complex issue requiring sustained effort and a continuum of services.
If we continue funding programs that break the cycle of homelessness, like those at Interfaith, we will improve lives, strengthen our communities, support local businesses, and improve public health and safety.
Greg Anglea is the CEO of Interfaith Community Services.
