Look to the real causes of homelessness in Oakland
In response to your July 22 article, “Oakland homelessness surges 47% — percapita number now higher than S.F. and Berkeley” we are troubled by the misleading assertion that current homelessness increases are “driven by drug addiction (and) mental illness” as well as “lack of housing.”
Such a claim insinuates that mental illness and drug addiction cause homelessness, which only further stigmatizes our neighbors who struggle with these disabilities, whether currently housed or homeless. People living with housing insecurity, food insecurity, and generally working to survive a system that has failed them are not a threat to their sheltered neighbors.
The actual data show that this is an economic and housing crisis, not a behavioral one. The rates of mental illness and drug addiction have remained relatively stable over 15 years since the first Homeless Point In Time Count in 2004.
What has grown exponentially is the gap between the income people have to pay rent and the cost of housing. Oakland rents for a onebedroom apartment have increased 155% over the past decade, while incomes of most renters remain flat. People living on disability incomes, which are typically at 12% of the area median income, are particularly vulnerable to becoming homeless in this overpriced, volatile housing market. In response to what might have prevented them from becoming homeless initially, Homeless Count survey respondents most often cited financial needs (86%), including rent assistance (33%), benefits and increased income (30%), and employment assistance (23%).
We must prioritize preventing displacement and homelessness, including renter protection policies and tenant assistance, and providing affordable housing and quality jobs if we expect to achieve real solutions. People experiencing homelessness need health care services, but to identify their health needs as “driving increases in homelessness” implies health care solves homelessness. Permanent, safe, affordable homes are the solution.