Assemblywoman Quirk-Silvaâs Work to Resolve Homelessness in Orange County Moves to Governor
SACRAMENTO, CA â Assembly Bill 143 (AB 143) authored by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), addressing Californiaâs homelessness crisis, passed on the legislative floor and is headed to the Governorâs Desk.
âCalifornia has the highest rate of homelessness in the nation. In fact, recent statistics show that throughout our state, we have seen an increase in the number of homeless individuals,â said Assemblywoman Quirk-Silva. âSince 2017, homelessness is up by forty-two percent in Orange County. To resolve this crisis, we need an array of innovative strategies including both short and long-term solutions.â
If the specified counties or cities find it essential, they may choose to utilize the bill to address short-term homeless needs. They would be required to develop an ordinance outlining a plan that would include long-term permanent housing strategies for their communities. The California Department of Housing and Community Development would then be responsible to review and approve the ordinance to ensure the health and safety of California is not compromised.
âDuring a state crisis, we have an obligation to remove certain barriers to be able to provide cities and counties with tools to assist them,â said Quirk-Silva. âAB 143 would create flexibility to expedite the creation of shelters and permanent supportive housing that is desperately needed.â
AB 143 expands emergency housing to include homeless shelters and permanent supportive housing when Orange, Alameda, and San Jose Counties and Cities within the current law, declare a shelter crisis.
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