(10:15) Santa Cruz – A committee in Santa Cruz, focused on combating homelessness, released new information yesterday. The group revealed that the city has more than 800 homeless people living on the streets. The members of the committee reported that the biggest contributing factors to homelessness are substance abuse, psychiatric conditions and chronic health conditions. Some of the short-term solutions include more outreach services, contracting simple jobs for experience and vouchers, expanded recovery and crisis locations. A long term solution would be to create a one-stop facility for homeless to go to for rehabilitation, employment and shelter. Committee members say short term solutions could be implemented within the next three years, while the long term solutions are expected in about five years.
