Editorial: Prop 1 passes, addresses unhoused and mental health

California has long struggled with a homelessness crisis

Photo courtesy Kirti Fatania-Bassendine

This editorial is the opinion of Gilroy Life

California voters narrowly passed Proposition 1 in the March 5 election, a measure authorizing the state to issue $6.38 billion in bonds to fund the construction of mental health treatment facilities and provide housing for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders.

This hard-fought victory marks a significant step forward in addressing some of the most pressing issues facing the Golden State.

California has long struggled with a homelessness crisis, which has been exacerbated by a lack of accessible mental health and substance abuse treatment services.

Proposition 1 aims to tackle these interconnected issues head-on by allocating much-needed resources to expand behavioral health services and build permanent supportive housing.

Opponents of the measure argued against the shift in funding from counties to the state and raised concerns about the long-term costs associated with bond repayment. While these concerns are not without merit, the severity of California’s homelessness and mental health crises demands bold action. The human cost of inaction far outweighs the financial costs of the proposition.

The South Valley region in recent years has faced growing challenges with homeless men, women and children dealing with the issues of life without a permanent place to call home.

Tim Davis, the director of the South County Compassion Center, emphasizes mental illness is not the primary cause of homelessness. Rather, the lack of affordable housing during the past 40 years is the single most important driver of this crisis.

Despite this, the unhoused community is disproportionately represented by those suffering from mental health concerns, he said. Even the most stable individuals face emotional trauma caused by their experience of homelessness.

The supports commonly used by those with housing to address these issues are largely inaccessible for those who have lost their homes, either due to barriers in accessing them or because the remedies are designed for those with homes, such as out-patient care that assumes the patient has a safe place to recover, he said in an email message.

“Resolving homelessness of a person suffering from severe mental illness is the critical first step toward resolving other issues, like severe mental illness, that is related to, or caused by, their homeless experience,” Davis said. “Proposition 1 will help provide the critical support for those who face the dual cruelty of struggling with homelessness and mental illness and a possibility of wholeness that we all seek.”

By wisely investing in mental health treatment facilities and supportive housing, California can provide a path to stability and recovery for some of its most vulnerable residents.

This not only improves the lives of individuals struggling with homelessness, mental illness, and addiction but also benefits society as a whole by reducing the strain on emergency services, healthcare systems, and the criminal justice system.

Furthermore, Proposition 1 represents a shift toward a more compassionate and effective approach to addressing these complex social issues. For too long, California has relied on short-term solutions and patchwork measures that fail to address the root causes of homelessness and mental illness. By prioritizing long-term investments in treatment and housing, Proposition 1 acknowledges that these issues require sustained, comprehensive efforts.

The narrow passage of Proposition 1 underscores the need for continued public education and advocacy around homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse. It is crucial that Californians understand the interconnected nature of these issues and the importance of investing in evidence-based solutions.

As California moves forward with the implementation of Proposition 1, it is essential the state remains transparent and accountable in its use of funds. The success of this measure will depend on the effective collaboration between state agencies, local governments (including Santa Clara County and the cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy), and community organizations such as the Compassion Center to ensure resources are distributed efficiently and equitably.

Proposition 1 is not a panacea for California’s homelessness and mental health crises, but it is a crucial step in the right direction. By investing in the well-being of its most vulnerable residents, California sets an example for the nation and reaffirms its commitment to building a more just and compassionate society.

The passage of Proposition 1 should be celebrated as a hard-fought victory for all Californians. Its implementation should be a top priority for state leaders in the years to come.