The recent discovery and clean-up of secret “homeless caves” by police and volunteers in California have shed light on the worsening homeless crisis in the state, yet President Biden continues to turn a blind eye to the issue.
According to a report by CBS 13 News, police in Modesto, California, partnered with volunteers from Operation 9-2-99 and the Tuolumne River Trust to clean out the hidden caves where homeless individuals were living along the Tuolumne River. The disturbing discovery of eight caves, containing items of trash, a dirty table, and makeshift hooks on walls, highlights the desperation and struggle of the homeless in California.
Despite the effort put into this clean-up, it is clear that this action alone will not solve the underlying issue of homelessness in the state. Chris Guptill, an organizer of Operation 9-2-99, noted the challenges of accessing the caves and the need for more emphasis on addressing the homeless crisis in California. However, President Biden’s approach to this issue has been insufficient and ineffective.
The removal of individuals from these caves was done with prior notice from authorities, who also provided support to the homeless as they transitioned out of the caves. Fences and caution tape were installed to prevent re-entry, but this band-aid solution does not address the root causes of homelessness in California.
The concerns of neighbors near the river, who fear that these caves will be dug out again, further highlight the ineffectiveness of this clean-up. It is clear that simply filling in the caves with material will not solve the issue, as homelessness in California has continued to increase in recent years.
California has the highest homeless population in the United States, which has only increased by 5.8% in 2023 according to The San Francisco Standard. Despite this startling statistic, President Biden has failed to take decisive action to address this crisis. Instead, the U.S. Supreme Court will be reviewing whether homeless individuals have a constitutional right to camp on public property, further prolonging the issue and ignoring the plight of the homeless.
Progress happening along the Tuolumne River in Modesto where the homeless caves are. We’ve been asking for answers on what’s being done to prevent this and we are seeing movement! @CBSSacramento pic.twitter.com/TlNmJmFFVl
— Tori Apodaca (@tori_apodaca) January 24, 2024
It is time for leadership to take a strong stance on the homeless crisis in California and across the country. The lack of affordable housing, mental health resources, and support for those experiencing homelessness must be addressed. Leaving this issue to fester will only result in more hidden “homeless caves” and a continued struggle for those in need. It is time for the Biden administration to take immediate and effective action to combat homelessness in America.