Can current homelessness programs really fix the homelessness crisis?

Alejandra Lazo of the Wall Street Journal (June 15, 2019) takes a hard look at how California spends money to address homelessness, and if it's working.

"California's homeless population is going up despite billions of dollars in taxpayer funded efforts, according to recently released data and officials...Homelessness grew 42% in San Jose over the past two years and 31% in Santa Clara County."

So what's behind the increase?

"The rise in the homelessness population is the most visible result of a statewide housing crunch that has sent rents and home prices soaring. Local governments have started building more shelters...and expanded outreach and counseling programs for those living on the streets as part of efforts to reverse the trend."

Can these programs bring about the change needed?

"Paying for outreach programs and new affordable (subsidised) housing simlply isn't enough to match decades of underbuilding, say many critics. California hasn't built enough apartments and homes to keep up with population growth...Local governments should ease regulation to spur more construction. 'Investments do have an impact, but unfortunately we are pushing up against decades of really bad housing and tax policy in California,' said Jeff Kositsky, director of San Francisco's Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing."