California Homeless Shelters Criticized for Dangerous Conditions and Poor Outcomes

An investigation reveals widespread abuse, mismanagement, and inefficiency in the state's taxpayer-funded homeless shelter system.

California has spent over $1 billion since 2018 to expand homeless shelters, doubling available beds, but there are still three times as many homeless individuals as beds.
Fewer than 25% of shelter residents transition to permanent housing, with some calculations showing success rates as low as 10%, raising questions about the system's effectiveness.
Shelters have faced serious allegations, including fraud, sexual misconduct, unsafe living conditions, and high death rates, which have tripled since 2018 and now surpass those in state jails.
Oversight at both state and local levels is lacking, with many cities and counties failing to enforce laws requiring documentation and accountability for shelter conditions.
Experts and advocates propose shifting resources from shelters to direct rent assistance and affordable housing solutions, citing evidence that financial support could significantly reduce homelessness.