ESCONDIDO, Calif. — Despite a number of residents in opposition, the city of Escondido approved a new policy on homelessness on Wednesday night.
This new policy prioritizes public safety and rejects the current Housing First model, while also stressing the need to help specifically Escondido's unsheltered population before helping anyone else.
"Housing First may work for some people, but there are specific reasons why this is not the strategy for the city of Escondido," said Mayor Dane White, who has overcome homelessness and addiction himself. White defended his new policy, saying that California's current model does not work.
"We are removing all of the consequences and then providing all of the tools to enable people to continue in a cycle of addiction," White added. "That is why we are choosing not to go with the Housing First approach."
He highlighted the growing amount of crime committed by homeless persons, as well as its impact on local businesses and on property values.
Council Member Mike Morasco pointed out the amount of public safety resources that are currently allocated.
"It's approximately 12 percent of all calls are dealing with homeless related issues," Morasco said. "That is just for one-third of one percent of our city's population."
This new policy takes a more "tough on crime" approach to homelessness, while also proposing a city-run shelter that would require sobriety, and would serve solely Escondido's residents.
"I think the policy you're proposing is short-sighed, it's limited, and most of all it is divisive," said Rev. Meg Decker.
Before the council's 4-1 vote passing the policy, many residents took to the podium to rail against it. Council Member Consuelo Martinez voted against the proposal.
"Housing First works if there is housing," Rev. Decker added. "But right now there is not, which is why it is so difficult. You can't get sober on the streets."
"If this policy does not create more places for people to go we won't be making any progress," said Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services.
Echoed over and over again at Wednesday's council meeting: the need for the city to cooperate with local service providers.
"We want solutions," said one Escondido resident, "and we really want to work with you!"
This new policy does recognize that the Housing First model is effective for senior citizens who are facing homelessness, who have been priced out of the housing market due to their limited or fixed incomes.
WATCH RELATED: Escondido eyes new 'tough on crime' approach to homelessness