San Joaquin County plans to send homeless people anywhere they want

San Joaquin County is addressing its burgeoning homelessness issue by implementing a program aimed at relocating homeless individuals outside the county. This decision comes in response to a significant increase in homelessness, which has surged by 100 percent over a two-year span. Local officials, including Supervisor Paul Canepa, are emphasizing that the program is not about 'dumping' homeless individuals elsewhere but instead about providing support and options for those wishing to reconnect with loved ones or find services elsewhere. The initiative is primarily aimed at individuals like Leandre Nelson, who has faced homelessness for six years in Stockton. Nelson expressed support for the program, stating that finding connections with family can be a vital solution. The county plans to assist not only Nelson but others who identify potential places to go, especially if family members are willing to receive them. Supervisor Canepa and his fellow supervisors have unanimously backed this approach, which is seen as part of a larger effort to manage the rising homelessness rates in the area. With a vast majority of those experiencing homelessness having originally come from San Joaquin County, the county hopes to reintegrate individuals into supportive environments elsewhere. Despite the optimistic outlook, it's crucial to note that county officials highlighted that this approach will not serve as a large-scale solution to the homeless crisis on the streets. Experts suggest that while connecting homeless individuals to their families can be an effective and cost-efficient strategy for some, it won't drastically change overall homelessness numbers in the area. Currently, the county has begun identifying participants for the program, with the initial phase involving around 20 individuals who have expressed willingness to participate, resulting in four successful relocations thus far. Overall, the program marks an essential step towards engaging with the homelessness crisis while looking for practical and compassionate solutions.