Introduction

Homelessness is one of the most pressing issues facing San Jose, and Mayor Matt Mahan has taken an assertive approach in tackling this crisis. His policy emphasizes more rigid enforcement methods to reduce the number of people living on the streets. 

Key Policy Elements

Mayor Mahan’s homelessness policy proposal focuses on two main strategies. The first is expanding shelter and housing options. The city of San Jose plans to increase to over 1,000 new quick-build housing units and shelter beds within 2025. The goal is to provide quick, safe, reliable and dignified alternatives to living in encampments.

The second aspect is enforcing shelter acceptance. A controversial aspect of the policy is that persons who refuse shelter offers up to three times within 18 months may face penalties, including arrest for trespassing. The intention is to help these individuals into the behavioral health court system, where they can receive mental health and substance abuse treatment.

Pros of the Policy

The policy’s expansion of shelter space provides a quick alternative to unsanitary and dangerous street living conditions. Additionally, many unhoused individuals refuse services due to mental health or substance abuse issues. By enforcing behavioral health court referrals, the policy aims to compel very necessary treatment. Reducing encampments can also lead to cleaner public spaces and lower crime rates, addressing community concerns about safety.

Cons of the Policy

Many argue that criminalizing individuals for refusing shelter does not decrease homelessness. Such enforcement tactics could only disproportionately impact marginalized communities more, particularly people of color and individuals with disabilities. Another challenge is resource limitations because the success of enforcement depends on the availability of mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities, which are already stretched thin. Some also worry that without permanent housing solutions, increased enforcement could push homeless individuals further into isolation rather than effectively addressing their needs.

Conclusion

Mayor Mahan’s homelessness policy represents an aggressive attempt to address a deep rooted crisis in San Jose. While expanding shelter capacity is a critical step forward, the enforcement method raises ethical and practical concerns about the criminalization of homelessness and the adequacy of support services.