November is when we hold elections. It’s also National Homelessness Awareness Month.
In San Diego, it’s worth noting nearly all the city and county politicians who’ve held sway over downtown for the last four years were re-elected. (The San Diego mayoral race has not been called, but incumbent Todd Gloria is holding a 10-point lead.)
There are certainly far fewer sidewalk tents to be counted by the Downtown San Diego Partnership (which canvases the 92101 ZIP Code). But where did those individuals go? In San Diego County, the number of people entering homelessness continues to outpace those escaping the streets. That’s been an ongoing trend for two-and-a-half years, according to San Diego’s Regional Task Force on Homelessness.
To remind people that elections may be over but homelessness issues are ongoing, Father Joe’s Villages President and CEO Deacon Jim Vargas released this statement in conjunction with National Homelessness Awareness Month:
“I encourage everyone in our community to reflect on this growing crisis. According to the latest data, no less than 10,605 people were experiencing homelessness in San Diego County. This statistic is staggering, but we must also remember that each one is a neighbor in need.
“With the cost of living and housing prices so high in our region, many San Diegans are just one paycheck away from falling into homelessness. There are other factors here too, such as the lack of detox beds specifically tailored toward people experiencing both homelessness and substance use challenges.
“If we want to prevent and end homelessness, we must acknowledge the root causes of the crisis – and then take steps to address them. These are problems we can solve together, such as by streamlining the construction of affordable housing and detox facilities specifically catered to our neighbors in need.
“But before we can end homelessness, we must first see the humanity in each and every one of our neighbors living on the street. This Homeless Awareness Month, let’s not avert our eyes and look away from the problem. Instead, let’s approach the homelessness crisis – and those experiencing it – with the compassion in action they deserve.” SDSun
