Homelessness is an exploding humanitarian crisis affecting almost every community in California. Too many people suffering from severe mental illness and crippling addiction are being allowed to languish in filth and perish on our streets from disease, overdose and violence. They need help. Meanwhile, the quality of life for all Californians has dramatically declined as the crime and despair associated with the crisis has seeped across our state. There are real potential solutions to this crisis. They are not easy and they are not cheap. But, if California ever hopes to turn the tide, dramatic action is required.
Based on his decades of experience with the issues, including witnessing his own family members suffering from addiction, mental illness and homelessness, District Attorney Jeff Reisig has proposed a ‘Five-Point Plan to Reduce Homelessness.‘ Enacting it will require groundbreaking legislation, funding and commitment from leaders and communities. We must act.
Five-Point Plan to Reduce Homelessness
1. Amend California law to require state-funded treatment for seriously addicted drug users, including secure residential treatment, when appropriate. (See sample proposed law here)
2. Expand conservatorship laws – make it easier to allow the seriously mentally ill and addicted to be conserved by loved ones and health professionals.
3. Establish permanent drug courts and mental health courts in every county, where judges can collaborate with health professionals and all the parties to oversee a comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation plan.
4. Build addiction and mental health facilities that can serve as secure treatment focused sanctuaries.
5. Develop a statewide chain of drop-in-centers to provide free ongoing support and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) to those on the path to recovery.