As a result of their struggles with substance abuse and mental illness, 94 percent of homeless persons in the Golden State are unwilling to accept assistance, according to the mayor of Vista, California.
During an interview with local media, Mayor John Franklin revealed his thoughts on the escalating epidemic of homelessness in the state of California.
According to Franklin, officials have spoken to some of them on many occasions and formed connections with them. They were offered a secure and comfortable bed, a hot shower, three meals a day, and clean clothing, but due to mental illness and addiction, they have turned the offers down.
It was discovered via a Point-in-Time Census of the homeless population that the city only had around 170 individuals who were homeless. This statistic reflects over twice the number of persons who were homeless in the previous year when there were only 88 people.
According to the survey, similar increases were discovered in neighboring areas of San Diego County, such as 25% in Oceanside, 69% in Encinitas, 87% in Carlsbad, and 32% in Escondido.
Hannah Gailey, executive director of the nonprofit Retread Housing Services, said that her experience was in line with the findings.
Gailey administers the homeless shelters in Vista and Encinitas, which receive millions of dollars in state subsidies. With 48 beds, the organization aids homeless people in their fight against addiction and helps them get permanent homes.
A man who had been staying at the facility said that he lost his house due to health problems. He wants to go back to work but first needs to improve his health. Gilbert Sanchez was a self-employed handyman who, due to a back injury, required surgery. His inability to work after surgery led to his homelessness.
According to Mayor Franklin, the city has cleared hundreds of encampments and is helping those who are willing to receive assistance with their housing situation.
Approximately ninety-nine thousand people call the northern San Diego County city of Vista home. The community is situated approximately seven miles from the coast. Real estate reports reveal that single-family homes in Vista have a median sale price of 880 thousand dollars.
