San Diego Declares Housing A ‘Human Right’ Without A Plan To End Homelessness

By unanimous resolution Last week, San Diego declared that “housing is a human right.” No one can be certain.

The city continued to affirm its position. “its commitment to providing more housing services geared toward putting a roof over the head of every San Diegan.”

Dan Eaton, the city attorney said that the resolution was quickly downplayed because of its legal implications. “it’s pretty clear it doesn’t have any legal effect.” What is the meaning of this declaration?

Housing is valued by the city council. “a component of a standard of living adequate for health and well-being.” The resolution affirms this. “housing provides stability and security” That is what individuals do. “should have a secure, peaceful, and dignified place to live.” Nearly everyone agrees with the centrality of housing for human dignity. But if declaring housing to be a human right means that the government is obligated to provide housing with no strings attached, won’t that result in human disempowerment rather than security, peace, or dignity?

No matter what, protecting something of value is important. “human right” Providing that object of value is not the same as a status. The government protects our human rights, such as speech, life, and marriage. It prevents us from being wrongfully denied these rights. It doesn’t Provide They will be there for us. For example, it is not responsible for keeping us alive or allowing us to speak on behalf of the government. This is a good thing. This is a good thing.

Many things add dignity and quality to human lives — safe homes, fulfilling jobs, healthy relationships, and nourished bodies. When the government acts, it allows human lives and dignity to flourish. Protect The pursuit of these things is not the end in itself, Provider They are all there. With More than half of those who are unsheltered-homeless cite substance abuse or mental illness. Their loss of housing is a reason for them to lose it. The old narrative that more affordable housing will solve this problem is false and outdated.

It is a great thing that council members at the end acknowledge that making sure their neighbors are housed is a requirement. “policies that address the root causes of homelessness.” They do not address the root causes of homelessness or offer a plan for addressing them in the resolution. Excessive taxpayer spending to provide housing for the homeless without any training or treatment requirements is not addressing the root causes. Worse, people who receive free housing without any responsibility are isolated and deprived of ownership and accountability.

The people of San Diego, whether housed or unhoused, gain nothing from the city council’s resolution that “housing is a human right.” It is a hollow promise of a vague ideal: housing for all who lack it. It obligates government to spend millions of dollars on rooms that allow people with addictions, mental illnesses, and traumas from homelessness.

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