Part 10/13:
Underlying these debates is a fundamental issue—lack of affordable housing. Experts agree that homelessness in California is largely driven by soaring housing prices, not simply mental health or addiction. Sandy Perry of the South Bay Community Land Trust emphasizes that policies focusing solely on enforcement overlook the root causes.
Some argue that building massive amounts of affordable housing is the real solution, though critics say this is insufficient alone. The complex interplay of drug addiction, mental health, and systemic poverty requires an integrated approach—something many cities and states continue to struggle with.