In a bold move against the ongoing housing crisis, California state lawmakers are pushing back against policies that further marginalize unhoused communities. State Sen. Sasha Perez and Assemblymembers Ash Kalra, Alex Lee, and Matt Haney have co-authored Senate Bill 643, which aims to prevent cities from prohibiting organizations or individuals from helping homeless residents.

The bill comes at a critical time when homelessness in Santa Clara County has reached alarming levels. Recent data shows over 10,700 people experiencing homelessness, with 7,472 individuals without shelter. San Jose alone has seen its homeless population grow to 6,503 residents, with approximately 3,959 people living unsheltered.

Despite efforts by San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan to build tiny homes and convert motels into temporary housing, advocates argue that current approaches are inadequate. Monica Porter Gilbert from Disability Rights California points out a stark reality: there is only one shelter bed for every three homeless individuals in the county.

The proposed legislation challenges recent legal developments, including the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass ruling that allows jurisdictions to ban homeless encampments on public property. Assemblymember Alex Lee criticized current municipal strategies, calling them “political theater” that fails to address systemic housing issues.

Kalra emphasized the moral imperative behind the bill, stating, “Providing for those in need is a value we should uphold and celebrate, not criminalize”. The legislation seeks to shift public policy from punitive measures to compassionate solutions that recognize housing as a fundamental human right.

With San Jose mandated to build 62,200 homes by 2031, including 34,486 affordable units, the bill represents a critical step towards addressing the root causes of homelessness. By preventing cities from criminalizing assistance and survival strategies, lawmakers hope to create a more supportive environment for those experiencing housing insecurity.

As the bill moves through the Assembly, it represents a potential turning point in how California approaches homelessness – prioritizing human dignity over punitive enforcement.