Poon: Options to reduce homelessness in downtown San Jose

The increasing number of homeless individuals in downtown San Jose is a pressing issue that requires targeted and comprehensive measures.

As the heart of Silicon Valley, our city is renowned for its high-tech industry, commerce and prosperity. However, the growing population, increased mobility and proliferation of tech companies have led to higher living and housing costs, which is contributing to the rising number of homeless people. To effectively address this crisis, we must take a multi-faceted approach that tackles both immediate needs and underlying causes.

Firstly, expanding the supply of affordable housing is crucial. The skyrocketing housing costs in San Jose have forced many people onto the streets. High housing prices not only make it difficult for middle- and low-income families to afford homes, but also force many renters out of the city. Investing in affordable housing projects and incentivizing developers can create sustainable living options for those in need, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

The government can encourage developers to build more affordable housing by providing tax incentives and reducing land use fees. Additionally, where feasible, a dedicated housing subsidy program should be established to help low-income families pay part of their rent. Furthermore, implementing rent control measures can help prevent more residents from falling into homelessness. Rent control can stabilize market rents, prevent malicious evictions and protect tenants’ basic housing rights.

Secondly, to prevent an increase in homelessness and assist those already homeless, we must enhance mental health and addiction services. Many homeless individuals face mental health or behavioral health issues, substance use problems or a combination of both. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, providing comprehensive and targeted support services, including counseling and rehabilitation programs, can help these individuals regain stability and independence.

The government should increase funding for mental health, behavioral health and addiction services, expand the coverage of existing services and improve service accessibility. Additionally, preventive measures for mental health and substance use issues should be strengthened through community outreach, education and early intervention to reduce new cases. On top of preventive measures, the integration of mental health and addiction services should be enhanced to ensure continuity and coordination of care, preventing homeless individuals from bouncing between different services.

Lastly, promoting community engagement and partnerships can effectively reduce homelessness. Local businesses, nonprofit organizations and residents must collaborate to create a support network. According to the Urban Institute, initiatives like job training programs and community outreach activities can help individuals reintegrate into society.

Businesses can offer employment opportunities and vocational training to help homeless individuals gradually return to the workforce, rebuilding their self-esteem and confidence. Nonprofit organizations can provide various social services, such as food assistance, legal counseling and medical services, to help homeless individuals overcome difficulties. Residents can support homeless individuals through volunteer services and donations, promoting community inclusiveness.

Additionally, establishing and improving a comprehensive management system for homeless assistance can ensure effective integration and utilization of resources from all parties, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of aid efforts.

San Jose has the resources and creativity to solve the homelessness problem. By addressing housing affordability issues, strengthening support services and promoting community collaboration, we can make downtown San Jose a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Let’s act now to create a brighter, more stable, better and more inclusive future for our city.

Iris Poon is a San Jose resident working toward her master’s degree in social work at University of Southern California.

Comments (5)

D Kyne Jul 02, 2024 at 9:36AM

This is a long winded repeat of everything. Tell Cohen to stop dumping his homeless people on Omar and telling HIS constituents he’s solving the epidemic. Every district improves and D3 gets worse. What other city is dumping on us. Los Gatos. Sunnyvale. Tell them to stop.

Joe Smith Jul 02, 2024 at 8:49PM

Good points D.

“To effectively address this crisis, we must take a multi-faceted approach that tackles both immediate needs and underlying causes.”

Yes, and since the vast majority of our homeless are drug addicted or mentally ill we need to urgently get them confined to treatment centers where they can begin recovery from their illnesses.

“The skyrocketing housing costs in San Jose have forced many people onto the streets.”

That’s certainly not helping but it isn’t the primary driver of homelessness. First, we need treatment centers to deal with the bulk of the homeless population, then we can start mopping up the corner case population of people who are still employed but have been priced out of a home.

“San Jose has the resources and creativity to solve the homelessness problem.”

No, this is simply false. We have proven that conclusively. Trailers in the parking lot of Happy Hollow, studies of converting Emma Prusch Farm Park into a homeless encampment, setting up designated slum areas, and so on are not creative ideas. Those are wasted efforts and dollars that could have been spent paying for treatment for mentally ill and substance abusers.

“Businesses can offer employment opportunities and vocational training to help homeless individuals gradually return to the workforce, rebuilding their self-esteem and confidence.”

This is woke-think. With the exception of the “non-profit” homeless industry companies supported by taxpayers that provide their employees 6 figure salaries, “businesses” are trying to make a profit to get a return on their investment by providing goods and services that people want to pay for. After they accomplish that, they can embark on the altruism. Unfortunately, we’ve done a lot in the last years to drive many businesses out of business and made it extremely difficult to make a profit that would allow altruism.

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SJCA Jul 02, 2024 at 4:34PM

Building affordable housing is fine for low-income workers. But lets not confuse affordable housing for low-income workers with housing for the homeless living on our streets, many of whom are drug addicts, vagrants, or mentally ill. The only affordable housing they can afford is free housing, which is far too costly.

For most of the homeless population, cost-effective shelters are the only viable solution. San Jose leaders have a choice. They can use $20M to build a shelter and get 1,000 people off the street. Or they can use that same $20M to construct an apartment building (at $500K per room) and get 40 people off the street.

If this were put to a vote, I’m pretty sure I know which one most voters would pick.

Myth Dispulsion Jul 02, 2024 at 6:27PM

This is a regional and preferably, a state solution so the state relocates many to reduce expenses. Somewhere between Buttonwillow or the I-5 and 99 junction and Grapevine keeps it close to the mean population center of the state, a bit south currently but logistically in a good place.

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Joe Smith Jul 02, 2024 at 8:54PM

“They can use $20M to build a shelter and get 1,000 people off the street. Or they can use that same $20M to construct an apartment building (at $500K per room) and get 40 people off the street.”

I wish it were that simple and I once thought it was. Unfortunately, our problem now lies in having an exploding drug addicted and mentally ill homeless population for which an infinite number of empty rooms wouldn’t provide what they need.

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Poon: Options to reduce homelessness in downtown San Jose

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