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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, out of the 37,323,127 people surveyed, 6,115,244 live under the poverty level in California. Out of these, about 116,000 are homeless and 60 percent of them live on the streets; it is heart wrenching to see the overwhelming numbers.
Having a roof above our heads is a basic necessity and 2016 has begun on the right note. Californian senators have proposed an astounding $2 billion to build or renovate permanent housing structures for mentally disabled individuals facing homelessness.
Being disabled and homeless is a twofold problem; to help the desolate, Senate President, Kevin de León has also proposed $200 million as rent subsidies until the new buildings are ready for occupation. The plan is to create 10,000 to 14,000 housing units for these individuals. These new and renovated units will give priority to homeless people with mental ailments and drug and alcohol problems. The senators also plan to offer financial aid to families living on welfare, who are on the verge of homelessness.
The $2 billion dollars will be issued in bonds that can be repaid over a period of 20 to 30 years. The repayment will be made with the money obtained via proposition 63, also known as the millionaires’ taxes for mental health services. The rent subsidies will be offered from California’s general fund.
Among all the major cities and counties in the nation, Los Angeles tops the list with the “most chronically homeless people in the nation”. The rate of homelessness here has increased by 12 percent since 2013.
Apart from these funds, Los Angeles County and city have promised $100 million each to help fight this epidemic. As part of this plan, the county has already allocated $101 million and the city has $12.4 million for any relief work that may arise from the dreaded El Niño lashing.
As with other pertinent issues like gender bias and lack of diversity in corporate America, the issue of homelessness can be conquered only by a team effort. NAWRB appreciates the initiative taken by Californian senators and hopes that 2016 brings with it improvements in all sectors of housing.