America’s Streets Are Not Shelters — A Call to Rethink Homelessness Policy
Homelessness is one of the most visible and divisive issues facing American cities — and Alameda County is no exception. From sprawling tent encampments in Oakland to debates over public safety in Berkeley, residents are torn between compassion and frustration. In this opinion piece, originally published in the California Globe, Edward Escobar challenges the status quo, arguing that current policies mistake neglect for kindness. He calls for structured, accountable solutions that balance humanitarian care with the urgent need to restore public spaces.
While this opinion piece examines homelessness policy from a national perspective, the issues it raises echo challenges faced here in Alameda County — from Oakland’s encampments to Berkeley’s public space debates. We’re sharing this perspective to spark discussion on local solutions.
Homelessness in America has reached a crisis point, with city streets and public spaces increasingly turned into makeshift shelters. The author argues that while compassion is necessary, allowing people to remain indefinitely in unsafe outdoor conditions is neither humane nor sustainable.
He points to the misuse of public funds by certain nonprofits, noting that some organizations receive millions in taxpayer dollars yet fail to reduce visible homelessness — while their leadership collects six-figure salaries.
Instead, the piece advocates for a renewed focus on transitional shelter, paired with accountability and oversight. Streets, parks, and transit stations should remain safe and accessible for everyone, the author writes, while those in need should be directed toward structured support that leads to stability.
Read the full article here → America’s Streets Are Not Shelters: Time to Rethink Homelessness Policy
