Mayor Matt Mahan wants to end homelessness in San Jose neighborhood by neighborhood.

When it comes to my proposal that we use a brief, targeted interaction with the criminal justice system to compel those who repeatedly refuse private shelter to instead engage with treatment, we’ve been talking a lot lately about the moment of accountability. The moment where things get so bad that we need to take action to help those suffering and the broader community. But we don’t talk a lot about the many moments that come before and the many moments that will come after because of our action at this critical juncture.

So let’s start from the beginning.

Matt Mahan is leading the way. Others need to step up. The County of Santa Clara has a responsibility to build out treatment beds. Judges need to make wise judgements. I hope this policy will free people from addiction and suffering. Go read the Mayor’s plan. Let’s make it our reality together.