With affordable housing lacking, South Bay leaders want to decriminalize homelessness

San Jose lawmakers are advocating for Senate Bill 643, which seeks to protect organizations and individuals from being criminalized for helping homeless residents. This comes as cities across California, including San Jose, ramp up encampment sweeps after a Supreme Court ruling that permits such actions. San Jose's homeless population has surged to over 6,500, with a significant percentage living unsheltered. Assemblymember Ash Kalra asserts that homelessness is a societal failure necessitating compassionate responses rather than punitive measures. Mayor Matt Mahan supports local solutions like tiny homes and motel conversions, while critics warn that enforcement-only strategies worsen the crisis.

Currently, there is only one shelter bed for every three homeless individuals in Santa Clara County. The city is mandated to build over 62,000 homes by 2031, but has only completed a fraction of that goal. Advocates argue that without a sufficient housing strategy, many Californians will continue to live on the streets.