For Immediate Release
January 10, 2019

Contact: Maya Polon, 916.444.7614

CWDA Statement on Governor Newsom’s 2020-21 Budget Proposal

Sacramento, CA – The County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA) released the following statement from Frank Mecca, Executive Director, upon the release of Governor Newsom’s budget proposal today:

“Governor Newsom’s proposed budget treats the gravity of California’s homelessness crisis with the urgency it demands. Emergency funding of $750 million this year for rental assistance, stabilizing board and care homes, and bringing urgently needed housing units online will make a meaningful difference as we work to help individuals get off the streets and into supportive services.

“Governor Newsom’s plan to utilize available state land and temporary housing will make an immediate and tangible difference in the lives of Californians in communities across the state who are experiencing the crisis of homelessness. County human assistance departments appreciate the Governor recognizing the difference we can make for Californians who are homeless – with the state’s support, and alongside our county partners in ‘strike teams.’ 

“As the Administration and Legislature work toward the final 2020-21 budget and this critically important effort moves toward implementation, we commit to working with both parties to ensure resources are available for homelessness prevention and early intervention, especially for our most vulnerable populations. Research shows Californians over age 50 are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population and are likely to experience homelessness for the first time as older adults due to economic forces beyond their control. Additionally, former foster youth too often face insurmountable barriers finding affordable places to live. Without a strategic focus on prevention for these vulnerable groups and others that are identified, California’s dual crises of poverty and housing affordability threaten to overwhelm even the most successful efforts to move Californians currently without shelter into sustainable housing.

“CWDA shares Governor Newsom’s urgency and focus on the emergency of homelessness and pledge our continued partnership in creating effective, and sustainable solutions.”

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