California City Nearly Eliminates Homeless Population With Zero-Tolerance Policy On Encampments

California cities have struggled with a homeless crisis over the years. Yet, they continue to throw billions at the spiraling tragedy to help those in desperate need of housing.

One city, however, has managed to defy the odds and reports the lowest number of homeless in the state.

Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey (R), stated that there are no vagrants living in his city. He joined Fox & Friends First to discuss how he has strengthened a no-encampment policy and upheld the rule of law.

Bailey stated that policies at the state and regional levels that tolerate this kind of behavior, which is both destructive to individuals and destructive to surrounding communities, are allowing this situation to grow throughout the entire state and the entire region. Ashley Strohmier was also informed by Bailey.

He said, “Changing these policies will actually make a big impact.”

Bailey explained that the city works closely with the police and a homeless service provider in order to provide the best possible help for the homeless.

Coronado provides “reasonable” assistance to those in need, but also noted that the city has a zero tolerance policy for violations of municipal codes.

Bailey stated that “We also make it clear that we do not tolerate encampments on our sidewalks and we don’t tolerate any other code violations like being drunk in public, urinating or defecating publicly.” These basic code violations are not tolerable. The end result is that the individual chooses to seek help or leaves.

According to data from San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness, Coronado had previously reported one homeless person in the city.

Bailey said that the person was able to get the help they needed and is now safe.

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Bailey stated that “The truth is that, although there are many reasons people become homeless, they ultimately fall into two camps: those who want help and those who don’t want help.” “Those who refuse to receive help… should not be allowed to break laws like tent encampments along the sidewalks or public urinating and defecating.

He said, “We must be enforcing policies to eventually kind of help them get to that other camp that eventually gets help.”

California has allocated $10 billion for curbing the homeless crisis between 2018 and 2012.

Despite all the government spending to address the crisis, 30% of the country’s homeless are still in the Golden State.