By now you know that the Governor and legislative leaders have committed to reaching a deal to address our state’s affordable housing crisis when the Legislature returns from their recess in late August.

It is only through our collective and relentless work that we have reached this point, pushing the affordable housing agenda so far forward that the Governor and leaders are calling for a general obligation bond and permanent funding source dedicated to affordable housing – goals we have long advocated for to bring relief to families, veterans and seniors struggling to find an affordable place to live.

It is worth noting too that in a time when news cycles come and go seemingly faster than the click of a mouse, still a week after the announcement that an affordable housing deal will be taken up, stories are being written on  what a housing deal might entail and calls for our primary funding bills – Senate Bill 2 and Senate Bill 3 – are a central piece of the discussion. 

The Legislature may be out on recess until August 21 but our work continues. The coming weeks provide some important opportunities to connect with your legislators in their home districts and to help ensure they understand any housing deal must include funding. Visit them in their district offices or introduce yourself when you see them at local events. Strike up a conversation when you run into at the local coffee shop and make it clear: 

• Securing funding is essential to getting affordable homes built in our community for your constituents. We cannot build homes if we do not have funding. No funding means no new affordable homes, which means more homelessness and families, veterans and seniors in shelters or on the streets.

We have an opportunity not only to solidify what must be in the housing deal but also to change the tide on the housing catastrophe that has impacted communities throughout the state for years. Ask your Assembly Member today to join their colleagues and commit to taking action on the housing deal. I know we have all had enough of the talk coming out of Sacramento. Now is the time for action.

Sincerely,

Ray Pearl
CHC Executive Director