Dem mayor deviates from progressive line on homelessness with call to jail vagrants

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is taking a bold stand against the homelessness crisis in his city by proposing a new solution: jailing homeless individuals who refuse housing services three times. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Mayor Mahan expressed his frustration with the current system that he believes is failing those who are trapped in a cycle of addiction and mental illness on the streets.

The mayor’s proposal comes as California Governor Gavin Newsom has tasked local governments with cleaning up homeless encampments in major cities. In San Jose, a city known as the heart of Silicon Valley’s tech boom, approximately 6,000 people are homeless, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.

Mahan’s proposal, which he introduced last month, aims to address the issue of homeless individuals refusing housing services despite the options available to them. He consulted with recovery groups to understand what breaks the cycle of addiction and found that a significant portion of California’s homeless population struggles with illicit drug use and complex behavioral health needs.

According to a recent study from the University of California San Francisco, 37% of California’s homeless population are regular illicit drug users, and 48% have complex behavioral health needs. Additionally, 66% reported experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, hallucinations, or cognitive difficulties.

Mayor Mahan believes that the key to addressing homelessness is to provide a minimum level of intervention by requiring individuals to come indoors and accept housing services. He emphasizes the importance of creating accountability for those who are unable to break free from addiction and mental illness on their own.

Although Mahan’s proposal may be seen as a departure from the progressive stance of his party, a recent poll indicates that 37% of voters, including political experts, support arresting homeless individuals who refuse shelter. Cities like San Francisco and Sacramento have seen an increase in homeless arrests following a Supreme Court ruling that municipalities have the power to make public camping illegal.

Despite potential opposition to his proposal, Mayor Mahan is focused on finding solutions that work to reduce homelessness in California. He believes that the current approach, which prioritizes providing permanent housing without preconditions, is not effective and has only made the problem worse and more expensive.

Mahan acknowledges the importance of meeting homeless individuals where they are and providing low-barrier housing options that accommodate their unique needs. He advocates for the integration of sober living environments as an option for those struggling with addiction.

As California continues to grapple with a growing homelessness crisis, Mayor Mahan’s proposal represents a proactive approach to addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing meaningful support to those in need. By prioritizing accountability and intervention, Mahan hopes to create positive change and ultimately reduce the number of individuals living on the streets in San Jose and beyond.