Santa Cruz city leaders working to combat homelessness

A special committee in Santa Cruz focused on combating homelessness is releasing new information about the issue.

The city created a homelessness coordinating committee to study the issue last year. On Thursday, the group revealed that the city has more than 800 homeless people living on the streets.

Committee members said the biggest contributing factors to homelessness are substance abuse, psychiatric conditions and chronic health conditions. The research shows Santa Cruz ranks 14th in the state for the number of homeless people living in the city.

City leaders say homelessness has hurt businesses and has deterred people from visiting certain areas.

The committee is hoping the information will help city leaders make decisions on future solutions to the problem.

Some of the short-term solutions include more outreach services, contracting simple jobs for experience and vouchers, expanded recovery and crisis locations.

City leaders are also considering creating a one-stop facility for homeless to go to for rehabilitation, employment and shelter as a long term solution.

Committee members say those short term solutions could be implemented within the next three years while the long term solutions are expected in about five years.