This is a problem that is plaguing most cities in California. We need to work together – local, state and federal governments. Locally I have been working with the Homeless Assistance Resource Team (HART) of Folsom, and Powerhouse Ministries in Folsom, to understand and address the homeless situation. Powerhouse Ministries has successfully housed over 40 women struggling with homelessness, social hardships, and abuse. This is a well-designed two-year wrap around program that helps people become employable. This program’s success rate is 90%. We need more like it.
We also need to measure the progress and outcome of our efforts, it can’t just be “hand-outs.”It must include a “hand-up” and help folks get the services they need to become productive citizens for our communities.
Care for those with untreated mental illness and substance abuse issues will be key. In addition, we need to invest in facilities for treatment – not just using our jails. I will be supporting state efforts to increase funding for facilities and additional flexibility of program dollars to ensure
that we are targeting those “super users” of the system.
