Solving Homelessness

Overview

Homelessness hit a record 771,480 in 2024—an 18% increase. California has 187,000 homeless (24% of the national total) with two-thirds unsheltered. We've spent billions while the problem worsened. But Houston cut homelessness 63% since 2011 using coordinated Housing First approaches. Veterans homelessness reached record lows—down 55% since 2010—proving solutions work. The research is clear: housing affordability is the primary driver, though 18% have serious mental illness and 14% have chronic substance abuse. We need compassion AND accountability.

The Challenge

Building one unit of permanent supportive housing costs $600,000+ in Los Angeles versus $50,000 elsewhere. Current approaches either warehouse people indefinitely or criminalize them without offering alternatives. Housing First has 75-98% retention rates but requires housing supply that doesn't exist. Mandatory treatment raises civil liberties concerns, yet California's voluntary CARE Court has enrolled far fewer than projected. Street encampment sweeps don't reduce crime and just move people around. Neither pure permissiveness nor pure enforcement works.

The Solution

Follow Houston's proven model: coordinate 100+ nonprofits with unified intake, Housing First with wraparound services, 90% housed for 2+ years. Build housing efficiently—not $600,000 units. Offer voluntary treatment as the primary approach, with civil commitment only for those who truly cannot make decisions due to severe mental illness—implemented with strong due process protections. Expand shelter capacity so enforcement has somewhere to direct people. Prevention is cheapest: rapid rehousing costs $880/month versus $4,819 for emergency shelter. Treat people with dignity while expecting accountability.

Expected Impact

• Implement Houston model: 63% reduction, 90% remain housed 2+ years

• Build shelter and housing efficiently—not $600,000 per unit

• Expand voluntary treatment with dignity and respect

• Use civil commitment only with strong due process protections

• Prevent homelessness through rapid rehousing ($880/month vs. $4,819)

• Coordinate services through unified intake system

• Reduce chronic homelessness while respecting civil liberties