Assemblymember Sebastian Ridley-Thomas introduced legislation that would expand the current definition of a “state of emergency” to now include homelessness. With the expanded definition, the proposed bill, AB 220, would allow the state to provide more resources toward fighting homelessness.
“The rapid growth of individuals living without housing has accelerated dramatically and is threatening California’s economic stability,” said Ridley-Thomas. “Communities statewide have erroneously been forced to deal with the burden of a homeless crisis on their own, which endangers the health and safety of tens of thousands of residents, including men, women, youth, and seniors. It’s time for the State of California to step in and pull their weight toward a permanent solution to end homelessness.” said Ridley-Thomas.