Bill Will Streamline Homelessness Crisis Efforts Through A Statewide Coordinator’s Office

SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer introduced AB 86 to establish a Statewide Homelessness Coordinator to serve as the lead entity for ending homelessness in California.

AB 86 is the first bill introduced this session to take on the statewide issue of homelessness.

“In speaking with nonprofits and business groups, it is apparent that there exist varying standards of care and operations across different regions when it comes to dealing with homelessness,” said Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer. “I see a need to have a point-of-contact at the state level to help standardize protocols and operations to assist cities and counties with state funding and program assistance.”

The Statewide Homelessness Coordinator would be charged with improving governmental efficiencies and communications by coordinating homelessness programs, services, data, and policies between federal, state, and local agencies. Additionally, the Coordinator in charge would affect changes and provide recommendations to the Legislature, in collaboration with local leaders, on new state policies, programs, and actions or amendments to existing programs that seek to end homelessness. The Coordinator would also be responsible for identifying local leaders and the relevant jurisdiction to serve as a liaison with the state.

With so many different approaches being taken by multiple agencies across the state, inconsistency is a major hurdle as homeless persons migrate from one jurisdiction to another – some with successful programs while others struggle.

“These inconsistencies affect each homeless population differently. One major inconsistency is the agreement on the definition of homeless,” added Assemblymember Jones-Sawyer. “In one city or county, sleeping in your car can be viewed as being sheltered, disqualifying you from some or all homelessness programs, while in others, that is homeless. This is one example of the challenges a Statewide Homelessness Coordinator would have to tackle.”

AB 86 has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development.

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Assemblymember Reggie Jones-Sawyer represents the 57th Assembly District, which includes the communities of downtown Los Angeles, including Skid Row, and Exposition Park, including USC, the Member’s Alma Mater. Jones-Sawyer serves as the Chair of the Assembly’s Public Safety Committee and is a member of the California Reparations Task Force.