Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Emergency Housing Consortium
– the largest nonprofit agency in Santa Clara County dedicated
to fighting homelessness – I would like to encourage voters to
support Proposition 46.
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the Emergency Housing Consortium – the largest nonprofit agency in Santa Clara County dedicated to fighting homelessness – I would like to encourage voters to support Proposition 46.
This state bond measure would address the state homelessness problem at its root by removing homeless people from dangerous street environments and providing affordable housing for more than 100,000 Californians. Construction of housing would create jobs, stimulate the economy, and grant many the opportunity to regain self-sufficiency.
Affordable housing is not a hand out. Rather, Prop 46 would lend a hand up to the homeless by helping to fund agencies like EHC. Our continuum of care includes case management and a variety of support services such as housing search assistance, training programs, medical and legal services, and children’s mentoring programs.
When considering housing issues and Prop 46, voters should know that our population of over 360,00 homeless is growing, and includes individuals as well as families. 63 percent are single adults, and 37 percent are families.
There will be far-reaching negative effects if Prop 46 does not pass. As California’s overall population grows without the development of adequate housing, the numbers of homeless will continue to rise and social services will be strained. Currently only 27percent of California residents can afford a home, and this percentage will certainly decrease without more affordable housing.
Voters should approve Proposition 46 to ensure that California can provide housing – and a future – for all of its residents.
Barry Del Buono, San Jose, President & CEO Emergency Housing Consortium
Submitted Monday, Oct. 28 to [email protected]
