SAN JOSE — Assemblymember Fong (D-Cupertino) hosted a community discussion on solutions to end chronic homelessness in the Silicon Valley. Joined by Assemblymember Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), County of Santa Clara Supervisor Mike Wasserman, Campbell Mayor Jason Baker, and San Jose Councilmember Ash Kalra, elected officials were presented information from housing advocates and representatives from the City of San Jose and the County of Santa Clara, with solutions that have been effective in the Silicon Valley in reducing homelessness.
"This community discussion between elected officials, housing advocates, and the public is a forum for all those concerned and invested in addressing California's significantly high homeless population," said Assemblymember Fong. "The Silicon Valley has been successful in reducing the homeless population in the area through public and private collaborations which can be used as a statewide model."
"Through the Assembly Select Committee on Homelessness, Assemblymember Fong and I have had an opportunity to hear about innovative local programs that can be models for statewide action," says Assemblymember Toni Atkins, who chairs the Select Committee. "The Silicon Valley programs we heard about today increase our knowledge of alternative ways to reduce homelessness that can be tailored to meet the needs of a local area. I thank Assemblymember Fong for giving us this opportunity."
Due to hard economic times, there has been an increase number of homeless families, children, and veterans in California. As the state with the highest homeless population, it is crucial that California finds solutions to improve the lives of its millions of residents who live without homes. In the Silicon Valley, housing organizations have moved hundreds of homeless people to permanent housing, which they have found to save cities and the county significant amounts of time and money because of a decrease of demand in services to our most vulnerable population.
Organizations in attendance included: Destination: Home, Community Technology Alliance, Housing 1000, HomeBase, EHC LifeBuilders, InnVision the Way Home, Community Housing Partnership, and Charities Housing.
CONTACT: Bryan C. Singh (916) 319-2022
