01/11/2023

California Homeless Housing Needs Assessment Authors Respond to State Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Experts recognize that the Governor’s budget maintains the level of investment in addressing homelessness during a difficult budget year, and call on legislators to lay a foundation based on the state’s housing needs.

Sharon Rapport, Director, California State Policy, Corporation for Supportive Housing, made the following statement in response to the release of the Governor’s 2023-24 Budget:

“In a difficult budget year, it’s reassuring to see that 2022 spending on homelessness was not cut for the 2023 budget. However, no additional investments were made.

“The budget prioritizes unsheltered homelessness, but we can reduce unsheltered homelessness through long-term investment in housing. Shelter is critical in offering people a safe place to stay while waiting for permanent housing—but only homes end homelessness, and permanent housing must be the central focus of our strategy.

“The governor’s summary calls for increased accountability from local governments. This is correct—but it should be matched by accountability from the state for a budget plan that is predictable and grows over the coming budget cycles to meet the established needs of people experiencing homelessness in California.

“As the Legislature responds to this budget, it should lay the foundation for a year-over-year approach that uses data to meet the state’s needs with adequate housing, services and shelter—and that asserts the state’s leadership in ending a crisis rooted in our failure to build enough housing in California for decades.”

The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) and the California Housing Partnership, with the support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, issued the first-ever California Homeless Housing Needs Assessment last month to determine the level of public investment that would solve homelessness in California. 

It concludes that California must invest an average of $8.1 billion every year for the next 12 years to create the housing, shelter and supportive services needed to solve homelessness. 

To see the full needs assessment, visit calneeds.csh.org

Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) is the national champion for supportive housing, demonstrating its potential to improve the lives of individuals and families who face complex barriers to housing by helping communities create more than 385,000 affordable homes paired with supportive services. CSH funding, expertise, and advocacy have provided $1.5 billion in direct loans and grants for supportive housing across the country. Building on more than 30 years of success developing multiple and cross-sector partnerships, CSH engages broader systems to fully invest in solutions that drive equity, help people thrive, and harness data to generate concrete and sustainable results. By aligning affordable housing with services and other sectors, CSH helps communities move away from crisis, optimize their public resources, and ensure a better future for everyone. Visit us at www.csh.org.

Media Contact: 

Josh Kamensky
Ocean & Mountain
(323) 326-7438
josh@oceanmo.com   

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