San Jose mayor and county clash over homelessness crackdown - San Jos Spotlight

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is advocating for Santa Clara County to bolster its shelter and health treatment services in response to the city's renewed focus on homelessness. His "Responsibility to Shelter" initiative, discussed during a recent City Council meeting, would empower police to detain homeless individuals who refuse shelter after three offers. Despite Mahan's efforts, county officials remain skeptical of this approach, which complicates the necessary collaboration. Councilmembers David Cohen and Domingo Candelas are calling for a meeting to clarify roles and expectations between the city and county in addressing this significant challenge. Currently, San Jose has about 3,000 beds available for homeless residents, yet the shelters are nearly at capacity, with approximately 5,500 individuals still living on the streets.

Mahan highlighted that many residents blame city leaders for the visible homelessness, often unaware of county representation in these matters. He emphasized the need for a coordinated response to ensure those unwilling to accept shelter receive the necessary care. This initiative reflects the urgency to tackle homelessness amidst growing community concerns and the need for effective intergovernmental collaboration.