Yes, there is evidence that some states have sent their homeless populations to California, a practice known as “homeless relocation” or “greyhound therapy.” This practice involves providing homeless individuals with one-way bus tickets to other states, including California. Several factors contribute to this trend:
- Milder Climate: California’s milder climate is more conducive to living outdoors, making it an attractive destination for homeless individuals.
- Perception of Better Services: California, particularly cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, is perceived to have more extensive services and resources for homeless people compared to other states.
- Relocation Programs: Some states and cities have formal or informal programs that offer bus tickets to homeless individuals under the guise of reuniting them with family or providing better opportunities elsewhere.
- Cost-Shifting: By sending homeless individuals to other states, local governments may be attempting to reduce their own costs and shift the burden of providing services and support to another state.
High-Profile Cases of Homeless Relocation
There have been several high-profile cases and investigations that have highlighted this practice. For instance, a 2017 investigation by the Guardian found that cities across the U.S. had sent thousands of homeless people to California and other states with little to no follow-up support.
However, it is important to note that while this practice does occur, it is not the sole reason for California’s large homeless population. Other factors, such as the high cost of housing, economic inequality, and insufficient mental health and addiction services, also play significant roles in the state’s homelessness crisis.
Which states offer relocation programs for the Homeless to California?
Several states and cities have been documented as providing relocation programs for homeless individuals, some of whom end up in California. These programs often involve giving one-way bus tickets to homeless individuals under various pretexts, such as reuniting with family or seeking better opportunities. Here are a few examples:
- New York: New York City has a well-documented “Special One-Time Assistance Program” (SOTA) that has provided homeless individuals with bus tickets to other states, including California. This program aims to help homeless families move to more affordable housing outside the city.
- Nevada: In a high-profile case in 2016, the city of Las Vegas was found to have sent homeless individuals to California under a practice known as “Greyhound Therapy.” This practice was highlighted when a mentally ill homeless man was given a one-way bus ticket to Sacramento, California, sparking outrage and legal actions.
- Hawaii: Hawaii has a “Return to Home” program that provides homeless individuals with airfare to the mainland U.S., including California. This program is designed to help homeless individuals return to family and support networks on the mainland.
- Florida: Some cities in Florida have also been known to provide bus tickets to homeless individuals to leave the state. While specific data on destinations is often not disclosed, California is a common endpoint due to its perceived better services and climate.
- Texas: Some cities in Texas have been known to offer bus tickets to homeless individuals as part of their efforts to manage homelessness. These programs often aim to reunite individuals with family members or offer them opportunities elsewhere, including in states like California.
- Oregon: Portland, Oregon, has a “Homeward Bound” program that provides bus tickets to homeless individuals to travel to other states. While the program is designed to help individuals reunite with family or find stable housing elsewhere, California is often a destination due to its size and resources.
- Arizona: Arizona has also been known to provide bus tickets to homeless individuals. And cities within Arizona have used relocation as a strategy to manage local homelessness issues.
These programs are often controversial and have been criticized for simply shifting the problem of homelessness rather than addressing its root causes. Additionally, many of these relocated individuals do not receive follow-up support in their new locations, which can exacerbate their challenges and lead to further issues for the receiving communities.