‘All of the above’ on homelessness

Re “The recall candidates’ poor plans for homelessness,” editorial, July 18

Homelessness is complex. Who knew? Well, anyone working in the mental health arena, as I have for more than 25 years.

Is the solution housing first? Treatment first? Voluntary treatment? Involuntary treatment? Reforming the rules for involuntary holds? As I say to my students, the answer is all of the above.

Those suffering without a permanent place to reside are not a homogenous population and therefore cannot be helped by a single remedy. The multitude of problems leading to homelessness requires an equally diverse set of solutions.

Years ago I was a member of a multidisciplinary task force to update California’s antiquated Lanterman-Petris-Short (LPS) Act laws, which regulate involuntary mental health commitments. We were unable to attract sympathetic ears in Sacramento willing to tackle this electrified issue.

LPS reform is but one element. Additional resources for substance abuse, more hospital beds for mental health patients, improved access to low-cost housing, and increased resources for voluntary, involuntary and assisted outpatient treatment are all necessary.

Anybody claiming to have a plan to fix this problem with only one remedy is like a mechanic claiming to be able to overhaul your engine with only one tool — it won’t work. Jody Rawles, M.D.

Long Beach The writer is professor and executive vice chair in the department of psychiatry and human behavior at the UC Irvine School of Medicine.