Homelessness is one of the most pervasive and urgent issues for Californians. It’s also one that has become deeply politicized, and the CEO of one of the nation’s largest providers of services to the homeless is skeptical that any of the 2020 presidential candidates can address it in a meaningful way.

“I think the politicians are as dumbfounded as the community in many ways about how to address the issue. We tell them that the issue of homelessness is not a single issue. It's a multitude of issues that people experience beginning many times with mental health challenges and addictions,” said Herb Smith, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Mission, which provides emergency services, housing, legal counseling, and other services to the homeless.

“But for many, it's just purely economics. The fact that they cannot afford to live. They can't afford the rent, and even if they try and work, one of the most frustrating pieces is right now it takes three people working $15 minimum wage to afford a normal rent burden of a two-bedroom unit here in LA,” he added, in an interview with Yahoo Finance.

More than 150,000 people are homeless in California, a 16% increase from last year. Nowhere is the crisis more tragic or visceral than on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. Having been at the helm of the non-profit for 14 years, Smith has witnessed many politicians and their promises.

The Democratic candidates’ plans

Democratic presidential hopefuls have proposed varying levels of commitment to the issue, with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders presenting the most ambitious plan.

He would invest $32 billion over five years to combat homelessness, which would include outreach services for the chronically homeless. He would commit an additional $15 billion to enact a 21st Century Homestead Act to “purchase and revitalize abandoned properties to create community and individual wealth and assets for historically disadvantaged communities.”

Former Vice President Joe Biden supports Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ Ending Homelessness Act, which has a central commitment of $5 billion for McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants that fund nonprofits and communities. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg wants to invest $6 billion to fund homelessness support services. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has detailed various investments into public housing like a $10 billion grant program that communities can use to build infrastructure. She doesn't lay out specific policies relating to services for the homeless.

Inaction at the federal level

Governor Gavin Newsom said California residents have “lost patience” with the federal government’s inaction during his recent State of the State speech, pointing out complete lack of support from Housing and Urban Development. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Newsom and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for the swelling crisis.