SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Josh Becker’s (D-Menlo Park) legislation to combat California’s homelessness crisis, SB 606, has passed the Senate, moving California toward functional zero unsheltered homelessness by requiring Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) recipients to assess and plan for the resources needed to bring all unsheltered individuals indoors.
“We cannot accept a status quo in which thousands of Californians are forced to sleep on sidewalks, in parks, or in vehicles,” said Senator Becker. “For the first time, I have a strong belief that, with the right tools, we can end our unsheltered housing crisis. SB 606 provides a roadmap for local governments to identify what it will take to bring every unsheltered person inside.
According to the Public Policy Institute of California, two-thirds of the state’s homeless population is unsheltered—the highest rate in the country. SB 606 would require local jurisdictions to:
- Assess the shelter and housing resources necessary to bring all unsheltered people indoors
- Use tools like the Shelter Crisis Act to expedite housing development
- Promote regional collaboration so that smaller cities contribute to solutions
The bill builds on successful local models, such as San Jose’s data-driven strategy to estimate and meet the need for interim housing. Cities like San Jose have shown that coordinated, adequately funded plans can reduce unsheltered homelessness.
California’s homeless population reached more than 187,000 last year, with most people sleeping outside. Nationwide, homelessness rose by 18%, with 22 states seeing double-digit increases.
SB 606 is supported by DignityMoves (Co-Sponsor), the Bay Area Council (Co-Sponsor), California Grocers Association (Co-sponsor), and Mayor Matt Mahan, City of San Jose (Co-sponsor). It now heads to the Assembly for its consideration.