“‘The choice is between being dealt with in the criminal justice system by avoiding that and accepting shelter by accepting treatment for substance abuse and mental health,’ said Stephan.

In response, the DA’s office has released a three-point plan it says will address the correlation between homelessness and crime by reducing the number of unsheltered people living on the streets.

‘They need housing, they need shelter and they need treatment in order to live humane lives that are free from violence and crime,’ said Stephan.”