Part 6/13:
These figures suggest that targeted reunification can help a handful of homeless individuals, but it won’t move the needle on a crisis of this magnitude. The limited success stems from fundamental issues: drug addiction, mental health challenges, family breakdowns, and systemic failures. The program’s criteria—such as requiring identification and family willingness—further restrict its reach.
The Failures of Current Strategies and the Myth of Housing-First Solutions
California has already invested billions into homelessness programs. Over the past five years, roughly $24 billion has been poured into various initiatives, averaging about $41,000 per homeless person. Despite these massive investments, the problem persists or worsens.