Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a model ordinance aimed at addressing homelessness in California, encouraging cities to implement restrictive measures against homeless encampments. Cities like San Jose and Fremont are moving to arrest individuals refusing shelter, contributing to a cycle of criminalization. Research from Berkeley's People's Park indicates that closures can lead to positive outcomes for many homeless individuals, with 85% finding interim or permanent housing after an encampment closure demonstrates a potential solution. However, overwhelming court systems with criminal charges against the homeless is counterproductive and exacerbates the existing crisis.
"Our fieldwork in the Bay Area provides data showing that when encampments are closed, many homeless individuals transition to interim or permanent housing, demonstrating a pathway to stability."
"The actions targeting the homeless under the guise of enforcing the law funnel the most vulnerable into the criminal justice system, creating more burdens than solutions."
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