How is homelessness in San Jose?

Homelessness in San Jose is a growing issue, heavily impacted by mental illness and drug addiction. The hosts of the Mind Pump Podcast have discussed their personal experiences with the homeless population in the downtown area where their studio is located, frequently encountering individuals with visible signs of mental illness 1.

They have also criticized local and state policies, explaining that many politicians pass "feel good" laws that don't address the root causes of homelessness. They emphasize that the problem is more about mental health and addiction rather than just the lack of affordable housing 2 3.

San Jose, along with other parts of California, has seen a significant increase in homelessness over the past few years, with a 40% rise in the homeless population over the last four to five years 3. The hosts have observed that about one-fifth of all homeless people in America reside in California, attributed to the state’s less severe weather conditions allowing year-round outdoor living 4.

The state has spent billions on efforts to address the issue, but there's a lack of accountability in tracking the effectiveness of these expenditures. This inefficiency and potential corruption have resulted in little progress, even though substantial funds are dedicated to the cause 5 6.