Friends and neighbors,
Today is the seventeenth day of the sixty-day legislative session. That means we’re already a quarter of the way through and a lot of exciting news has happened. I’d like to provide you with an update on the legislation I’m pursuing this year and how these measures interact with one of my largest policy priorities.
Zooming In: The Root Causes of Homelessness
For nearly a decade, I dedicated myself to tackling the complex issue of homelessness. While shelters and soup kitchens offer vital support, they often address the symptoms rather than the root causes. To truly make a difference, we need to move upstream and prevent homelessness from happening in the first place. Several upstream solutions can address the root causes of homelessness, such as:
Affordable housing: Lack of stable housing is a major driver of homelessness. HB 2218, reduces youth homelessness by offering voluntary extended foster care to age 21, preventing the cliff many young adults face at 18. You can watch my committee testimony and learn more about HB 2218 by clicking here or on the image below:
Living Wage & Opportunity: Low wages and juvenile records hinder economic stability and fuel homelessness. I am championing bills like HB 2217 and HB 2251 to break these barriers and empower youth to secure jobs and housing. You can watch my full testimony on HB 2217 here and HB 2251 here.
Mental health and addiction services: Mental health and addiction issues can contribute to homelessness. HB 1929 tackles homelessness by bridging the gap after inpatient treatment. Its Post-Inpatient Housing Program provides crucial support and housing for young adults with behavioral health needs until they’re 24. This innovative approach helps them transition smoothly back into life and reduces the risk of falling back into homelessness. You can watch my committee testimony and learn more about HB 1929 by clicking here for my committee testimony or on the image below for my legislative update:
Public Assistance: Programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) offer critical help for low-income individuals and families, helping them cover necessities like food and housing. This can prevent them from falling into homelessness due to temporary financial setbacks. To expand these critical poverty reduction services, I’ve introduced HB 2415.
By investing in upstream solutions, we can prevent homelessness and create a more just and equitable society for everyone. Homelessness is a community issue. It requires a coordinated effort from all levels of government, the private sector, and nonprofits to address the root causes of homelessness because there is no one-size-fits-all solution to homelessness.
Together, we can create a world where everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.
Sincerely/Atentamente,
State Representative Julio Cortes
Representante Estatal Julio Cortés