California is grappling with a multi-faceted crisis, a perfect storm of homelessness, drug addiction, and soaring crime rates that threaten the state’s very fabric. The situation has reached a breaking point, leading many to question if California’s latest attempt to address these issues – Proposition 36, or The Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act – is anything more than a temporary fix.
Ten years ago, California voters approved Prop 47, which downgraded the possession of hard drugs from a felony to a misdemeanor. This move, along with subsequent soft-on-crime policies, aimed to reform the state’s criminal justice system. However, the results have been far from positive. Since the implementation of these policies, crime, drug use, and homelessness have escalated dramatically. Businesses are fleeing the state, and law-abiding citizens are feeling increasingly unsafe. The alarm bells are ringing, not only for California, but also for other states considering similar policies.
While Proposition 36 is poised to become law, many remain skeptical. After a decade of political promises, policy changes, and billions of taxpayer dollars poured into addressing these crises, the situation has only worsened. According to the Hoover Institution, California spent approximately $24 billion on homelessness between 2019 and 2024, yet homelessness increased by a staggering 30,000 individuals during that period, reaching a total of over 181,000. This alarming trend reflects a lack of accountability and a systemic failure to address the root causes. Meanwhile, opioid-related deaths have skyrocketed by 121% since 2019, and widespread theft, smash-and-grab robberies, and property crimes are rampant, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.
While Prop 36 may provide cities with the authority to clean up their streets, its effectiveness remains highly questionable given the failure of past initiatives. The problem lies in the fundamental approach. Providing free housing and access to counseling services, while well-intentioned, often falls short of meeting the real needs of those struggling with homelessness and addiction.
Dr. Houman Hemmati and podcast host John McGinness, appearing on ‘Fox News @ Night,’ offer a compelling alternative: ‘basecamps.’ Instead of investing vast sums of money into expensive housing complexes and ineffective resources that often go unused, basecamps offer a more practical and cost-effective solution. These large, structured spaces would be designed to facilitate personal transformation, preparing individuals for a successful transition into productive society. Think of them as a hybrid camp lifestyle, providing a sense of community and structure that many individuals on the streets find appealing.
Basecamps would offer a cafeteria, chapel, laundry facilities, and even classes promoting resilience and life skills training. Residents would be encouraged to contribute to their basecamp community by working in available facilities and mentoring others, fostering a sense of purpose and responsibility. This approach, particularly for homeless veterans, could reignite a sense of belonging and value.
The current situation in California is a stark reminder that throwing money at the problem is not a solution. Instead, we need a shift in mindset, a move away from quick fixes and toward long-term, sustainable solutions that address the root causes of these crises. Basecamps, with their focus on individual transformation and community engagement, offer a promising alternative to the current system that has proven ineffective and costly.
The crisis in California serves as a cautionary tale for the entire nation. We cannot afford to repeat the mistakes that have led to the state’s current predicament. It’s time to learn from California’s experience and adopt a smarter, more compassionate approach that prioritizes rehabilitation, accountability, and long-term solutions. The future of our communities depends on it.
