In California, the intersection between homelessness and severe mental illness is a critical issue.
According to data from the University of California, San Francisco, an estimated 63.5% of homeless people in the state are unsheltered, and 48% have complex behavioral health needs. These include schizophrenia spectrum disorders, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and alcohol and drug use disorders. A report by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development points out that overall homelessness has declined in the state by 2.8% in the past couple of years.
There’s a solution to the mental health challenges that homeless people face, one Gov. Gavin Newsom called “novel, new and bold.” CARE Court is designed to help unhoused people who have severe mental illnesses take their lives back and re-enter society. All 58 counties in California adopted it in 2024.
CARE Court directs people to shelters that can accommodate their needs and helps them secure medication. But getting into CARE Court isn’t always simple. The program is voluntary, and without a stable address, it can be difficult to connect people with help.