A Crime to be Poor/ Homeless in California???!!!

I have a very close friend, here in California, who, unexpectedly found himself homeless.  He came out here with the assurance of a place to stay, job, etc., and it all fell through.  He has been living in his car, with no heat, doing his best to survive.  I have tried to help, but he can't stay here, as me and Bay are staying with my Dad, in a cramped one bedroom apartment.  My friend is disabled, but has had problems trying to file for SSI, and he's even willing to work, just out of desperation.

We have called homeless shelters, lists and lists of resources, and have come up empty handed. There is no funding, and the shelters are full. With the economy here, everyone losing their jobs and homes, etc., he considered himself fortunate to have his old, beat-up car. Well, in Concord, that will immediately bring police right to you. In the first week here, he had contact with the police about ten times. I was with him, when one officer admitted that, due to our being in an older car, it is immediately profiled.

Tonight, I was sitting outside my Dad's apartment, in the car, with my friend. I took him dinner, and we were just sitting, eating and talking. We were surrounded by police cars. They parked in front of us, beside us, and behind us. The car in front of us was facing us, with the spotlight directly in our eyes. One officer was shining his flashlight all through the car, although I explained that he was visiting me, and even offered to give them Dad's phone number to verify. They continued, telling us that someone reported that he was living in the car, which is against the law in Concord. They proceeded to tell us that if they saw the car parked on the street, and that they would be patrolling often, they would, "tear the car apart"... and, again, informed us that it is illegal to sleep in a car in Concord. They offered no solutions, only threats.

I called the police department in tears, as the experience terrified me. The car is perfectly legal, registered and insured. My friend has no warrants, and doesn't do drugs, drink, etc. We were, simply, sitting in my car, trying to enjoy a warm dinner and a few moments together.

Although the Seargant I spoke with tried to be sympathetic, he did make a point of telling me that my friend can be arrested and criminally prosecuted, if he is found sleeping in the car.

I am just beside myself. We are sending so much money overseas, to help others, yet the Concord Police Department will criminally prosecute an American, who is having a hard time financially. He could be out robbing people to have money for motels... he could be out begging... instead, he is trying desperately to find some help... and he is the one that is being treated as a criminal.

I really hate to see where the state of California will be soon, with more and more workers being laid off and losing their jobs and housing altogether. I guess we'll all be in jail. That's the only solution Concord seems to have to offer. What a sad situation!!!