Part 11/13:
This story exemplifies what many critics of no barrier housing policies have long argued: without proper mental health and addiction services, providing housing alone is insufficient and potentially dangerous. The lack of mental health facilities and support programs leaves many individuals in unstable conditions, vulnerable to crises that can endanger everyone around them.
It is crucial for policymakers to recognize that the goal should not only be to house the homeless but to ensure they are stabilized and safe. This involves a balanced approach—offering housing alongside mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and social services.