This week, Crisis Coach and Interventionist Scott H. Silverman was on Fox 5 San Diego Morning News t to discuss Gov. Gavin Newsom’s order to clear homeless encampments in San Diego.
Scott estimates that about 30% of unhoused people can re-join the workforce and pay for housing with basic support programs like training, transitional housing, and financial assistance. Unfortunately, for many more people, the treatment needed is more acute and long-term. Scott discussed the importance of providing a full continuum of care to the people who are receiving treatment and support. Using the previous examples, some unhoused parties might be able to get back on their feet with job and housing assistance, whereas, more acute substance users who have been on the streets for longer might need more and longer support.
While the policy seems inhumane on its face, it’s yet another opportunity for our law enforcement and first responders to make contact with our unhoused population and offer them opportunities and services and incentivize them to get off the street. There are some good organizations to point them to, like Sunbreak Ranch, We See You, and Lucky Duck.
Then, Scott warned that San Diego might experience an influx of more homeless if the policies are not handled appropriately.
You can watch the entire segment on Fox 5 San Diego’s Website here: https://fox5sandiego.com/video/clearing-homeless-encampments/9907323/
Scott is the Founder and CEO of Confidential Recovery, an outpatient drug rehab in San Diego.
About Scott H. Silverman: Scott has been fighting against addiction for over 20 years, one person, speech, and book at a time. You can buy a copy of his latest book “The Opioid Epidemic” here.
