To the editor: It’s perplexing to think that jail time would be an effective deterrent for any crime, let alone homelessness. So one has to wonder why Mayor Matt Mahan of San José believes this approach will yield different results in tackling the homelessness crisis (“San José mayor proposes jailing homeless people who repeatedly refuse shelter,” March 6). According to a study highlighted in a recent L.A. Times article by the Benioff Homeless and Housing Initiative, drug use isn’t the predominant reason people end up without homes.
Temporary housing surely offers a short-term solution, but our ultimate aim should be to provide permanent housing and comprehensive care. We need to examine the root causes of why people become homeless in the first place—it seems that our system often fails to support individuals when they’re most in need. Rather than allow purely capitalist agendas to dictate people’s living conditions, we should ensure housing is a fundamental right, accessible to all.
Hassan Abdul-Wahid, Los Angeles
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To the editor: While homelessness stems from a variety of factors, the initial parts of your article shed light on one prevalent issue: Some individuals prefer to sidestep traditional housing. They opt instead for free spaces where they can construct dwellings without the constraints of permits, inspections, taxes, or the fees associated with parking RVs in designated campgrounds.
Alan Bell, Los Angeles
