The growing crisis of homelessness in communities dominated by seasonal tourism is a problem that is too often discussed through the lens of superficial narratives rather than genuine concern for those affected. News outlets and people who are largely out of touch with the realities on the ground tend to frame the issue in ways that protect their own interests, rather than addressing the root causes. 

This disconnect has resulted in a persistent failure to acknowledge that homelessness, particularly in areas like Salida, is not just a matter of personal misfortune but a systemic issue stemming from economic instability, market stagnation, and a widening gap between wages and the cost of living.

At the heart of the issue is the economic structure of these communities, which cater primarily to tourism and seasonal work. In Salida, for example, the job market is overwhelmingly geared toward younger workers, often favoring those who can take on short-term, low-wage jobs that sustain the tourism industry. 

This creates a precarious employment landscape in which stable, year-round work is difficult to come by, making it nearly impossible for many individuals and families to maintain long-term housing. As a result, even those who are employed may find themselves in situations of housing insecurity, unable to keep up with rising rents and property values that are increasingly out of reach for working-class residents.

The housing crisis is at the core of the issue. With property values skyrocketing and affordable housing options dwindling, many longtime residents and workers are being pushed out of their homes. Investors and short-term rental platforms exacerbate the problem by buying up properties for vacation rentals rather than long-term housing, further limiting options for those who live and work in these areas. 

Without sufficient affordable housing initiatives or wage increases to match the cost of living, homelessness becomes an inevitability. Maggie Falconi works for Salida High School and supports students with their lives outside of school. She notes that “some people live in motels due to the lack of housing around Salida.” This is an important issue that exists here in our very community.

Unfortunately, the response to homelessness in these communities is often one of avoidance or criminalization rather than meaningful solutions. Instead of investing in supportive housing, mental health resources, and sustainable employment opportunities, many cities focus on pushing unhoused individuals out of sight, treating them as an inconvenience rather than as people in need of assistance. This approach fails to address the systemic failures that contribute to the problem and only deepens the cycle of poverty and displacement.

If communities like Salida want to truly address homelessness, the city must acknowledge the economic factors at play and prioritize policies that create stable, affordable housing and livable wages. Until then, the problem will only worsen, and the people most affected will continue to be ignored in favor of protecting the interests of those who are unaffected.