San Diego has devoted tremendous effort and resources to addressing homelessness, and many dedicated people work every day to help those in need. Yet homelessness remains one of our region’s greatest challenges. As local governments face tighter budgets, perhaps this is the right time to ask a simple question: Is it time for an independent, comprehensive review of our regional homelessness response?
The purpose would not be to assign blame, but to learn. What is working? Where are the gaps? How can cities, the county, service providers, health care professionals, businesses, faith communities and citizens work together more effectively?
Before investing additional resources, shouldn’t we take the opportunity to evaluate our approach and determine whether a more coordinated strategy could produce better outcomes for both people experiencing homelessness and the community?
— Bob Collins, Rancho San Diego