PD Editorial Endorsement: Prop. 1 for housing, mental health
California’s homeless population is by far the largest in the United States, and despite some claims to the contrary, it is a homegrown crisis.
The most recent point-in-time count, an annual census of the state’s homeless population, tallied 181,000 people. A survey by UC San Francisco researchers found that at least 90% of homeless adults became homeless while living in California, primarily due to a lack of affordable housing.
The survey also reaffirmed a correlation between homelessness and behavioral health challenges. Eighty percent of those surveyed said they had a mental health or substance abuse problem in their lifetime, and two-thirds said they were presently experiencing mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety or hallucinations.
Those numbers are staggering, underscoring the magnitude of the crisis and illustrating the need for a coordinated response to these interrelated problems.
In other words, adding housing units and restoring long-depleted mental health treatment programs are necessary for California to reduce homelessness.
That’s the goal of Proposition 1 on the March 5 ballot.
The measure, championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, takes a two-pronged approach: authorizing a $6.4 billion state bond to build 10,000 permanent treatment units and supportive housing, while earmarking roughly $140 million a year from an existing tax to build housing for people with behavioral health issues.
Proceeds from the bond would be divided between Sacramento and local governments, according to a summary by the state’s nonpartisan legislative analyst. As much as $4.4 billion would be allocated to expansion of mental health and substance abuse treatment programs, with approximately one-third of that money allocated to local governments and Native American tribes. These services are desperately needed in Sonoma County, and across the state.
The other $2 billion of bond money would be distributed as grants or loans to local governments to convert hotels, motels and other buildings into housing for people experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness or dealing with mental health or substance abuse challenges. This approach already has moved thousands of people off the streets just since 2020.
The bond — a form of borrowing — would add about $310 million to the state’s annual debt service costs. That sounds like a lot, especially with the state facing a deficit, but it’s less than 1% of general fund expenses and will allow a rapid expansion of shelter and behavioral health services.
The housing funds would come from a 1% state surcharge on incomes of more than $1 million a year. The “millionaire’s tax” was approved by voters in 2004, with the revenue earmarked for county mental health programs. The tax generates between $2 billion and $3.5 billion a year, according to the legislative analyst. Proposition 1 would divert $140 million a year to housing.
The primary opposition to Proposition 1 comes from nonprofit groups that receive funding from the “millionaire’s tax.” However, some counties have struggled to spend their share of the money — which can only be used for new and expanded programs. Treatment programs are doing important work, but they need to be combined with housing options to get people off the street.
Proposition 1 won’t end homelessness in California or address all the unmet needs of the mental health care system, which have been neglected for a half-century.
But it can provide shelter and therapy for tens of thousands of the state’s most vulnerable residents. The Press Democrat recommends a yes vote on Proposition 1.
You can send letters to the editor to letters@pressdemocrat.com.
Proposition 1: Mental health and housing bond
California
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