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Affordable housing advocates encouraged by Governor Newsom’s budget proposals on housing and homelessness—and continue to push for additional investments to address two of the most pressing issues facing California

Affordable housing groups say a $5 billion investment is needed to close “significant gaps” in current funding and increase production of housing for lower-income Californians

SACRAMENTO – A group of 11 affordable housing organizations released the following joint statement today after Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed 2020-21 state budget. The group sent a detailed letter to the Governor in November outlining proposals for investing $5 billion in this year’s budget to address the housing and homelessness crisis.

“As California’s leading affordable housing organizations, we share Governor Newsom’s commitment to tackling the state’s housing affordability and homelessness crisis. At a moment when Californians are more focused on housing and homelessness than ever, the Governor and Legislature have a unique opportunity to make real change—and significantly expand the state’s commitment to affordable housing.”

“California has a shortage of 1.4 million affordable homes, and more than 130,000 Californians are experiencing homelessness on any given night. We have encouraged the Administration to make a $5 billion investment in this year’s budget to begin to fill significant gaps in funding needed to address these challenges—and to increase access to housing by promoting more production and preservation of affordable homes.”

“In his first year in office, the Governor demonstrated a serious commitment to producing more affordable housing and ending homelessness, and this year’s budget includes encouraging new proposals for helping communities respond to two of the most pressing issues facing California.”

“California’s housing crisis has been decades in the making, and taking on these challenges will require bigger, transformative solutions and ongoing investments matching the scale of the problem—for years to come. We look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to ensure the state takes action this year to provide the shelter and services people need now—while also making additional, continuing investments and structural changes needed to dramatically improve access to affordable housing.”

The 11 signatories on this joint statement include the following groups. Additional statements from individual members can be found below.

• California Coalition for Rural Housing
• California Housing Consortium
• California Housing Partnership
• California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation
• Housing California
• The Kennedy Commission
• Sacramento Housing Alliance
• San Diego Housing Federation
• Southern California Association of NonProfit Housing
• Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California
• Western Center on Law & Poverty

Additional statements on the Governor’s 2020-21 budget proposal:

Ray Pearl, Executive Director, California Housing Consortium:

“The Governor clearly recognizes the urgent need to produce more housing all over California—and to close the state’s current shortfall of 1.4 million affordable homes. The budget released today is an encouraging next step, with a number of important new investments. But to build all of the affordable homes we need, we have to think even bigger—matching new and continuing state investments with the scale of the problem and making structural changes in the way the state finances and supports affordable housing. Only then will we allow every Californian to have a safe, affordable place to live. We look forward to working with the Administration and Legislature this year on solutions that will get us there.” 

Lisa Hershey, Executive Director, Housing California:

“It’s a new decade, and with it comes the opportunity for a fresh approach. When it comes to ensuring homes that all Californians can afford, our leaders can no longer afford to go small. For those on modest incomes, California is 1.4 million affordable homes short of our need, and we need investment scaled to meet that gap. That’s why we urge Governor Newsom to think big and go big—with a $5 billion commitment of state resources in the January budget toward evidence-based, proven tactics to end homelessness and make California a state that all can afford to call home.”

Rob Wiener, Executive Director, California Coalition for Rural Housing:

“We applaud the Governor for his continued efforts to house the homeless and stimulate new production that will house the thousands of Californians who are one economic shock away from becoming homeless. However, we need a much greater commitment to truly turn the tide. This is as true in the state’s rural communities as it is in our large cities—and the state must not let anyone suffer from few affordable housing options.”

Stephen Russell, Executive Director, San Diego Housing Federation:

“Addressing California’s funding gaps for housing is crucial to ending homelessness, creating opportunities for new construction, and preserving existing affordable homes. The San Diego Housing Federation urges Governor Newsom to invest in real change through the state budget by directing resources that can alleviate the state’s critical shortage of affordable homes.”

Amie Fishman, Executive Director, Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California:

“It’s a new year and a new decade, and we’re all ready for new, big, and bold solutions to create a California that works for all of us. Housing is the number one concern for Californians. Affordable housing must be the number one priority for our leaders. The Bay Area has demonstrated our commitment to housing justice, voting to invest billions to build more homes for our neighbors, family, and friends. We’re looking to the state to go all in as our partner to match and exceed our regional response, and ensure a future where our seniors, veterans, and future generations have an affordable place to call home.” 

Alan Greenlee, Executive Director, Southern California Association of NonProfit Housing:

“Californians understand the vital importance of continuing to invest in affordable housing to address our homelessness and housing crises, which is why our state budget should reflect the priorities of our residents and voters. A recent poll conducted on behalf of our organization found that 89% of people in our region’s communities view homelessness as a very serious problem. Clearly, Californians expect solutions—and by extension sufficient funding—from our state leaders, and we look forward to holding this Administration accountable to the needs of low-income families and people experiencing homelessness.”

Cathy Creswell, Board President, Sacramento Housing Alliance:

“The State must invest resources commensurate with the scale of our housing crisis. We are grateful to the Governor for prioritizing ending homelessness and increasing the supply of affordable homes. We urge continued and expanded investments of state resources to ensure all Californian’s have a safe, accessible and affordable place to call home.”

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