Homelessness Action Policy

State or National:

State

Position in Brief:

The League of Women Voters of California supports actions to reduce and eliminate homelessness, both sheltered and unsheltered, throughout the State.

Details:

We support:

equal opportunity for access to housing with no barriers on the basis of gender, gender identity, ethnicity, race, native or indigenous origin, age, generation, sexual orientation, culture, religion, belief system, marital status, parental status, socioeconomic status, language, accent, ability status, mental health, educational level or background, geography, nationality, work style, work experience, job role function, thinking style, personality type, physical appearance, political perspective or affiliation and/or any other characteristic that can be identified as recognizing or illustrating diversity.
programs and policies to assist those who are experiencing homelessness, or about to become homeless, so their basic human needs can be met.
supportive services, including effective case management, job training, domestic violence services, and treatment for physical and mental health, as well as substance use disorder, to help people experiencing homelessness succeed in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing.
building of shelters, permanent supportive housing, and low-income/very low-income/extremely low-income housing for those who are experiencing homelessness.
an increased stock of affordable housing to decrease the number at risk of becoming homeless.
educating the public about people experiencing homelessness and their needs, and the services and support that are effective.
promotion of cost-effective prevention services to assist those on the edge of becoming homeless from losing their housing.
facilities and venues to meet the basic needs of people experiencing homelessness for personal hygiene, storage, and trash removal, as well as for safe spaces in which to live.
rescission of policies, practices, regulations and laws that criminalize, penalize, or permit the harassment of people experiencing homelessness for engaging in necessary life activities in public spaces (e.g. sleeping, standing, camping, etc.).
using a variety of crisis response and housing interventions to meet the needs of persons coming into the homeless system or who are at risk of homelessness.
policies and programs to provide income assistance to lower-income families and individuals.

Position History:

This Action Policy is drawn from the following positions:

Summarized details on these positions as they relate to homelessness have been developed by our Homelessness Task Force. Please refer to our glossary for additional information or contact our Homelessness Task Force.