Multiple California Cities Open Affordable,Mental Health Housing Amid Homelessness Policies

Several cities in California and Texas are advancing initiatives to address homelessness through affordable housing and new policies. In San Diego, the opening of Presidio Palms, a 161-unit affordable housing complex, aims to house formerly homeless individuals with rent subsidies primarily funded by HUD and local programs, though funding gaps remain a concern. Meanwhile, near San Antonio, a New York-based developer is converting a motel into 117 affordable studio apartments targeting residents with incomes up to 80% of the area median income, despite local opposition citing safety and amenity concerns. In San Jose, efforts to tackle homelessness include opening a mental health housing facility for individuals leaving incarceration and implementing Mayor Matt Mahan's controversial "Responsibility to Shelter" ordinance, which requires unhoused residents to accept shelter offers or face citations and potential arrest after repeated refusals. The San Jose City Council approved this ordinance, balancing expanded shelter capacity with enforcement, though it faces opposition from advocates who view it as criminalizing homelessness and call for more affordable housing instead. County officials emphasize the need for coordinated services and housing expansion across all levels of government to effectively address homelessness.