With the 2022 election season underway, activists can be seen outside supermarkets, eagerly gathering signatures for ballot initiatives aimed at boosting funding for a variety of unconventional programs. It’s a time of heightened civic engagement, as proposals for new legislation are being put forth with the goal of addressing pressing social issues.
In California, particularly in Los Angeles, several initiatives are emerging that seek to allocate additional resources to tackle the homelessness crisis plaguing urban centers. The urgency behind these proposals is clear.
As of 2020, California reported over 161,000 individuals experiencing homelessness. In Los Angeles County alone, the count was approximately 66,463. Given current trends, these figures have likely risen since then.
It’s hard to ignore the visible rise of temporary encampments, barrel fires, and the associated public health risks, such as the spread of diseases, increased drug use, crime, and mental health struggles that are now prevalent throughout the region.
Clearly, action is necessary. But what is an effective solution? Continue reading
