Homelessness in Rancho Cucamonga: A Practical, Responsible Approach
Residents Are Speaking Up — And They Deserve to Be Heard
Over the past several months, I've had more and more residents stop me—at community events, while walking neighborhoods, and even at City Council meetings—to talk about one issue:
Homelessness in Rancho Cucamonga
At a recent City Council meeting, one resident stood up and shared concerns about what they're seeing—people camping in shopping centers, trash being left behind, and a growing sense that things are changing in our city.
After speaking, she left the chamber.
I followed her out to continue the conversation.
What happened next wasn't planned. It wasn't organized. It just happened.
About 15 other residents got up and left the meeting as well—and joined us.
Out in the hallway, they began sharing their concerns:
- Encampments near homes and businesses
- Trash and sanitation issues
- Safety concerns for families and employees
- A feeling that the city is not addressing the problem
No microphones. No formal speeches. Just residents talking—honestly—about what they're experiencing.
That moment stuck with me. Because it made one thing very clear:
People don't feel heard. And they're looking for someone who will listen.
Let's Be Honest About What's Happening
Homelessness is not a simple issue, and pretending it is won't solve anything.
There are different situations within the homeless population:
- Some individuals are struggling with mental illness or addiction
- Some are experiencing temporary financial hardship
- Some have chosen to live outside traditional housing systems
Treating all of these situations the same way doesn't work.
And ignoring the problem doesn't work either.
What Other Cities Are Doing (And What We Can Learn)
Cities similar in size to Rancho Cucamonga are not relying on one approach—they are using coordinated strategies:
- Dedicated response teams that combine law enforcement, outreach, and housing services
- Navigation centers and shelters that provide a pathway off the streets
- Prevention programs to keep people from becoming homeless in the first place
- Clear enforcement policies for camping, trespassing, and public safety violations
The cities making progress are balancing compassion with accountability.
A Common-Sense Approach for Rancho Cucamonga
This is not about being "for" or "against" anyone. It's about doing what works.
1. Help Those Who Want Help
We should expand outreach and make it easier for individuals to access:
- Shelter
- Mental health services
- Job assistance
- Transitional housing
If someone is willing to take that step, the city should be ready.
2. Address Mental Health and Addiction — The Right Way
For individuals who are unable to care for themselves due to serious mental illness or substance abuse:
Doing nothing is not compassion.
California law already allows for structured intervention and treatment when necessary. We should be using those tools.
3. Set Clear Boundaries in Our Community
Residents should not have to deal with encampments in shopping centers, trash and hazardous conditions, or ongoing public safety concerns.
After offering help and resources, rules need to be enforced. This includes laws related to:
- Trespassing
- Public camping
- Littering and sanitation
4. Protect the Integrity of Public Assistance Programs
Programs like EBT are designed to help people buy food and meet basic needs. If there is abuse—whether by individuals or merchants—there should be accountability. That means:
- Monitoring misuse
- Enforcing existing laws
- Ensuring assistance is used as intended
5. Explore All Viable Solutions
We should be open to practical, structured solutions that help move people off the streets and into stable environments. This includes:
- Transitional housing options
- Partnerships with county and regional services
- Evaluating underutilized facilities that could serve a purpose
No idea should be dismissed without thoughtful review.
This Is About Balance
The conversation around homelessness often gets pushed to extremes. But most residents I speak with aren't looking for extremes. They're looking for balance:
- Compassion for those who need help
- Accountability for behavior that impacts the community
- Practical solutions that actually work
Where I Stand
I'm not interested in making promises that sound good but go nowhere. I'm interested in:
- Asking the right questions
- Listening to residents
- Looking at what works in other cities
- Putting forward solutions that make sense for Rancho Cucamonga
Because at the end of the day, this city belongs to all of us. And every resident deserves to feel safe, heard, and respected.
Let's Keep the Conversation Going
If homelessness is impacting your neighborhood or business, I want to hear from you.
- What are you seeing?
- What concerns you most?
- What solutions do you think would help?
Because the best decisions don't come from City Hall alone—they come from the people who live here every day.