Part 3/13:
In Santa Monica, property owner John Elliott, along with local business leaders, developed a family reunification program aimed at helping homeless individuals who’ve been on the streets for less than a year and are seeking help. They focus on reuniting these people with loved ones in their hometowns, believing they have a better chance of recovery and support outside California.
Critics, however, point out the program’s narrow scope. It only targets those recently homeless and motivated to go home. Many individuals have been homeless for years, often due to mental health issues, addiction, or familial rejection. These longstanding cases are unlikely to benefit, as familial relationships are often strained or severed — especially after years of addiction or destructive behavior.