New housing bills aim to reduce unsheltered homelessness to functional zero.

State Senators Catherine Blakespear and Josh Becker have underscored their commitment to addressing California’s homelessness crisis by introducing two pivotal bills designed to enhance interim housing production. Speaking in Sacramento on April 7, the senators advocated for legislative measures intended to achieve “functional zero” for unsheltered homelessness across the state.

The proposed legislation includes Senate Bill 16, authored by Blakespear, a Democrat representing Encinitas, and Senate Bill 606, introduced by Becker, a Democrat from Menlo Park. Both bills are presently awaiting their initial committee hearings. The core objective is to foster increased collaboration between cities and counties in the management and operation of interim housing facilities. By emphasizing interim housing — which can be built more rapidly and cost-effectively compared to permanent structures — the senators aim to provide immediate relief to the approximately 187,000 individuals currently experiencing homelessness in California.

Blakespear’s legislation mandates that county governments subsidize at least 50% of the expenses related to interim housing or shelters established by cities. She highlighted the urgent need for this approach, stating that the current pace of permanent housing construction is insufficient to make a substantial impact on the lives of those living in vulnerable conditions, such as tents or on sidewalks. The escalating costs associated with constructing affordable housing units, which now often approach million each, exacerbate the challenge of addressing homelessness. Projects like the Pearl in Solana Beach have encountered delays due to financial viability issues, leaving many in dire situations.

In his remarks, Becker pointed to a study indicating that 78% of California’s homeless population is unsheltered, emphasizing the need for a statewide response to this pressing issue. He stated that, while efforts to build permanent housing are essential, the immediate crisis necessitates actionable solutions in interim housing to serve as a transitional measure for those without shelter.

The senators reflected on the successful initiatives in cities like San Jose, which has constructed 700 interim housing units within just 18 months. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan reported that his city has built 500 units over the past five years, providing shelter to approximately 2,000 individuals, half of whom have transitioned into permanent housing. Looking ahead, San Jose plans to introduce an additional 1,000 interim housing and shelter options in the upcoming year.

Despite these efforts, Mayor Mahan acknowledged the enduring challenge of homelessness, noting that even comprehensive shelter solutions within city limits would not fully eradicate the issue of encampments. He stressed the necessity for collaborative solutions that extend beyond municipal boundaries, underscoring the shared responsibility in addressing California’s homelessness crisis.

As these legislative proposals advance, they represent a critical step towards systemic change in California’s approach to homelessness, emphasizing the importance of both immediate and long-term solutions.