The Bay
San José’s Plan to Bus Some Homeless Residents Out of the City
Mar 3, 2025
In this discussion, Joseph Jiha, KQED editor and South Bay expert, dives into San José's controversial 'Homeward Bound' plan aimed at addressing street homelessness. He highlights the city's attempts to reconnect unhoused individuals with family or friends, while weighing the criticisms from homelessness advocates who argue it's inhumane. The conversation also touches on the challenges of inadequate services, temporary solutions like shelters, and the broader implications of relocating homeless residents as part of the city's ambitious strategies.
19:10
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Quick takeaways
- San José's Homeward Bound program aims to support the unhoused by reconnecting them with family or friends for temporary housing.
- Critics of the initiative raise concerns about its long-term effectiveness and the need for comprehensive follow-up support beyond mere relocation.
Deep dives
San Jose's Innovative Approach to Homelessness
San Jose has initiated a controversial program aimed at addressing homelessness by offering bus and train tickets to unhoused individuals who have connections to family or friends willing to take them in. This program, named Homeward Bound, is designed to provide immediate help for those in need while simultaneously alleviating pressures on the city's limited shelter space. With over 6,300 homeless individuals counted in San Jose, the mayor believes this initiative can assist those who may find stability elsewhere, reducing the burden on the local shelter system. By allocating $200,000 from housing funds for this pilot program, the city hopes to facilitate meaningful reconnections that lead to long-term housing solutions.
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