Homelessness and Mental Illness in Santa Barbara County Essay Sample

As a community, Santa Barbara County lacks public assistance from government officials when it comes to aiding the homeless community's mental illnesses. The homeless community needs help more than ever. They have to battle the risk of diseases, temperature fluctuations, unsafe resting spaces, and a higher risk of mental illness. Many homeless individuals lack the resources to treat their illnesses properly. Even when local officials are involved many are uneducated when it comes to addressing a situation properly which causes more damage to a very vulnerable individual.

Despite the multiple issues that contribute to homelessness, mental illness plays a key role in these issues. Mental illness was the third largest cause of homelessness in the United States. A study in 2013 made it known that 31% of the homeless community in Santa Barbara county were experiencing severe mental illnesses. While another 51% were abusing alcohol. 

The county lacks mental health resources. It’s important to provide therapy sessions with trained professionals that are funded through charity organizations willing to help those in need. Along with opening up secure, safe mental institutions that put patients' best interests at heart. Many mentally ill Californians end up in jail or being transported to other cities because of the lack of mental institutions. The County has lacked psychiatric beds resulting in patients that aren’t deemed as involuntary being transported from Santa Barbara County to Ventura County. It is reported that 16 beds were available and were only issued to involuntary patients. This results in the treatment being far too difficult to obtain and far pricier for individuals already struggling to survive.

Altercations between officials and the homeless weren’t treated professionally in San Luis Obispo when the city council mandated the Municipal Code which meant the homeless couldn’t reside in an automobile, camper, or recreational vehicle that wasn’t legally operated. Without any warning to the public, it created distraught when local law officials began to force individuals out of their vehicles. Leaving people shelterless while some were told to leave the area.

However, you can argue that the procedures Santa Barbara County set in place are enough to move forward. Such as PATH which provides homeless citizens beds, hygienic products, and three meals a day. This service also includes mental health resources for vulnerable citizens to seek out. Santa Barbara County grants PATH $202,100 annually to grant the homeless community a safe and secure place to seek refuge. 

The homeless community throughout Santa Barbara County is a sensitive topic where many struggling individuals face harsh conditions from other citizens, environmental conditions, and mental struggles. We lack government support with mental health services that aren’t difficult to obtain. So as a whole, it is our duty to protect these vulnerable individuals and offer them life-supporting resources in any way possible.