San Jose is preparing to vote on Mayor Matt Mahan's "Responsibility to Shelter Initiative," which seeks to address homelessness by mandating participation in offered shelters. The proposal suggests that individuals refusing shelter three times in 18 months could face arrest or hospitalization. Supported by local leaders and unions, it has also faced criticism for criminalizing homelessness. Advocates argue that the focus should be on preventive support rather than policing, emphasizing the need for effective solutions that address the root causes of homelessness.
"We have a chance to use a brief, targeted interaction with our justice system to intervene before people fall into chronic homelessness and give them the opportunity to find appropriate services and turn their lives around."
"People need more help on prevention rather than policing, and policing doesn't get anybody any help. Prevention does."
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