PDF OF STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            

November 3, 2022

Contact: Rachael Serrao, Communications Manager

Phone: (916) 926-8769 | Email: rserrao@counties.org

Sacramento, CA – The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) Executive Director Graham Knaus today issued the following statement responding to Governor Gavin Newsom’s call to do more on homelessness.

“California’s counties share the urgency and frustration expressed by Governor Newsom today, and we call on the state to partner with local governments to develop the nation’s first comprehensive homelessness plan to meet the moment of this profound crisis. The rate of people experiencing homelessness in California exponentially outpaces our efforts and will continue to do so as long as we continue to act in silos with uncertain funding,” Knaus said.

“The Governor’s announcement that he is postponing the third round of state Homelessness Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) grants reflects the need for a more urgent and cohesive strategy. State HHAP funding has been a key driver of local efforts on homelessness, but the one-time nature of the funding hampers true progress.”

“We concur with Governor Newsom’s call for greater accountability, which requires a statewide homelessness plan with clearly defined levels of coordination between counties, cities, and the state across multiple policy areas and political jurisdictions. Counties welcome the Governor’s ambition to address homelessness, which requires a comprehensive statewide plan with clear responsibilities for all levels of government and the tools and resources required for success”

Toward this end, the CSAC Board of Directors adopted four principles on homelessness in September, including:

• A strategic and comprehensive statewide plan.
• A working partnership between the state, counties and cities with clear responsibilities and accountability.
• An all-inclusive plan to build enough temporary and permanent housing with measurable outcomes, clear responsibility and funding.
• Long-term, sustainable, and equitable state investments are necessary to ensure critical treatment and supportive services.  

“California’s 58 counties seek to engage the Governor, Legislature, cities, community partners and those who are living without shelter to forge these critical building blocks and investments together so we can tackle this crisis collectively.”

“Prevention, housing, and services are key to these efforts, and counties will participate fully in the Governor’s convening on this topic. Counties have been on the front lines and we’re committed to busting down barriers to forge the nation’s first comprehensive homelessness strategy.”

California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is the voice of California’s 58 counties

at the state and federal level.
www.counties.org

# # #