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The county has also been converting motels into permanent housing units—an approach known as Housing First. Yet, critics argue that housing individuals without the necessary mental health treatment leads to "ghettos" of crime and drug use rather than true stability. They emphasize that genuine rehabilitation and treatment are essential to breaking the cycle, rather than simply providing a roof.
Recent Violence and the Ongoing Emergency
The recurring violence is alarming. Earlier in the week, a shooting at an encampment injured five people, one of whom was fighting for their life. Despite ongoing efforts, no arrests have been made, and authorities cannot rule out that these incidents are interconnected.