San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan introduced the "Responsibility to Shelter" initiative which aims to penalize homeless individuals refusing shelter. Homeless people who decline three offers within 18 months may face arrest for trespassing. This proposal relies on increased shelter availability, with 1,000 new beds planned. The initiative emphasizes collaboration with Santa Clara County, which has mental health service shortages, complicating the plan. Critics note the county's inability to hold individuals unless serious crimes are committed may limit the effectiveness of the initiative.
"The city can't do it alone," Mahan said Thursday. "The county is a provider of health and human services. It has a robust drug and behavioral court system with experts who can help people find the best path forward."
"We are not able to hold anyone in our facilities unless they've committed a serious criminal offense under the law," a spokesperson from the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office stated.
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