The state of homelessness: Examining criminalization and inaction by local government

After a devastating 2023 coastal storm destroyed beachside encampments, my encounter with a displaced unhoused man highlights the growing intersection of homelessness and climate change. While some rely on personal networks to recover, many lack support as rising sea levels and extreme weather increase risks. The piece contrasts limited action on the Central Coast with San Diego’s enforcement-heavy approach, arguing that displacement and criminalization worsen conditions. It concludes that homelessness must be addressed through housing, not policing.