We, the undersigned, call on our city leaders to end the harassment of homeless individuals and prioritize compassionate, evidence-based solutions to homelessness.

Recent laws, such as California's Proposition 36, risk unintentionally criminalizing vulnerable populations, particularly those facing mental health and substance use challenges.

Proposition 36, approved by 70.6% of voters, reclassifies certain drug offenses and increases penalties for specific theft crimes. While aimed at addressing serious offenses, it risks disproportionately affecting homeless individuals, further marginalizing those already struggling with poverty, addiction, and mental health conditions.

 

Punitive measures, such as ticketing, displacing people from public spaces, and confiscating personal belongings, perpetuate cycles of instability. Instead of criminalizing homelessness, we urge city leaders to adopt compassionate and effective approaches that address root causes and create pathways to recovery and stability.

We urge our city leaders to take the following immediate actions:

 

1. End Harassment and Displacement: Stop criminalizing homelessness by halting practices like ticketing, forced displacement, and confiscation of personal property.

2. Expand Outreach Programs: Provide direct access to essential services, including food, medical care, mental health resources, and addiction recovery support.

3. Fund Housing Solutions: Prioritize funding for affordable housing, emergency shelters, and proven programs like Housing First, which have significantly reduced homelessness in other cities.

4. Adopt a Collaborative Approach: Partner with community organizations, advocates, and individuals experiencing homelessness to develop humane policies that uphold dignity and address real needs.

 

Evidence shows that compassionate, housing-first solutions are more effective than punitive measures. For example, cities like Salt Lake City have reduced chronic homelessness by 91% through housing-focused initiatives. These approaches not only improve lives but are also more cost-effective for taxpayers.

 

Together, we can create a city that values compassion, equity, and dignity for all its residents.

We urge you to act now to protect the rights and well-being of our homeless neighbors and to invest in solutions that work for everyone.

Please sign this petition to show your support today.