# CA mayor declares 'homelessness can’t be a choice,' suggests arresting those who repeatedly refuse shelter

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan argued, 'When dignified shelter and housing is offered, people have a responsibility to use it'

A mayor who said homelessness can’t be a choice argued that those who repeatedly refuse to accept shelter should be held accountable for their actions.

The issue of homelessness has plagued urban areas of California, particularly since the pandemic. While the state has worked to offer shelter to the homeless, many of them refuse to accept it. The mayor’s new proposal seeks to hold those who refuse shelter accountable if they repeat the behavior.

After noting that newly constructed housing would allow unhoused locals, regardless of their sobriety, to bring their pets, partners, and belongings, Mayor Matt Mahan lamented that nonetheless, "Instead of taking advantage of this taxpayer-funded housing, 1-out-of-3 people in this area who are offered housing refuse to come indoors."

##  has plagued numerous urban areas of California, particularly since the pandemic. While the state has worked to offer shelter to the homeless, many of them refuse to accept it. The mayor’s new "Responsibility to Shelter" proposal puts part of the responsibility on homeless people themselves to accept state help or face arrest.

After noting at a  that newly constructed housing would allow unhoused locals, regardless of their sobriety, to bring their pets, partners, and belongings, the mayor lamented that nonetheless, "Instead of taking advantage of this taxpayer-funded housing, 1-out-of-3 people in this area who are offered housing refuse to come indoors."



The mayor’s proposal to tackle the homeless crisis. ((Aric Crabb/MediaNews Group/East Bay Times via Getty Images))

"The homelessness can’t be a choice, especially when over 200 people die on our streets each year," Mahan said. "I’m proposing that after three offers of shelter, we hold people accountable for turning their lives around, because we all have a responsibility to "



San José Mayor Matt Mahan proposed a new policy Thursday, saying homeless people in the city should be jailed if they refuse to accept shelter three times. ((Aric Crabb/MediaNews Group/East Bay Times via Getty Images))

Mahan argued that the mental health and addiction issues that often leave people on the streets are problematic. "That does not mean that we should throw up our hands and give up on them." Instead, he suggested, "It means we need to help them break the destructive cycle that is harming themselves and the larger community."

According to a press release from the mayor sent to Fox News Digital, "Accountability will escalate the more times that individuals refuse shelter within an 18-month period. If passed by the City Council, after the first two refusals, unhoused residents will be given written warnings. Those refusing for a third time will be subject to arrest for trespassing."

" believes that after three offers of shelter, the City has done what it can to help people turn their lives around and other levels of government need to step in," the release continued. "The Mayor hopes that greater accountability and a brief interaction with the criminal justice system will help people get the treatment they need that only the County can provide."



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