A tough-on-crime measure California voters overwhelmingly approved last year promised to usher in an “era of mass treatment” for the tens of thousands of homeless drug users across the state. But so far in the Bay Area, Proposition 36 has only succeeded in compelling a few dozen people into addiction or mental health programs.

The early results are calling into question whether the stricter drug possession penalties imposed under the new law will propel users into care, and if the region’s already overburdened treatment centers can make enough space for even the limited number of people agreeing to programs.

Some of those directly involved in carrying out Prop 36 are skeptical that the measure can follow through on its pledge to address voters’ growing frustration over homelessness and p

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