Faced with record numbers of people suffering food insecurity, free food distributors in the Bay Area are doing a remarkable job.

San Jose announced plans to end food giveaways for the homeless in St. James Park, drawing backlash from activists and church groups.

In Santa Clara County’s push to end homelessness, not all agree on how to balance short-term needs with long-term solutions.

Nonprofit agencies are expected to serve the public good, be mission-driven and operate like a business. We nonprofits need to be compassionate, yet focused on obtaining successful outcomes. To end homelessness, the direction is clear: Move the homeless into housing quickly and provide ongoing support services. However, emergency services are still needed for homeless individuals—a meal when someone is hungry, warm clothes and a bed during cold winter months.