At a time when we should be expanding highly-effective homelessness prevention efforts, our local leaders are on a path to scale back investment in a program that is keeping people housed.
Our community’s pioneering Homelessness Prevention System has been stabilizing households who are at imminent risk of losing their housing for nearly a decade. Coupling direct financial assistance with critical support services, this countywide program has proven extremely successful, serving tens-of-thousands of at-risk individuals – more than 90% of whom remained stably housed years after receiving services.
Unfortunately, local budget cuts may force us to reduce capacity in this proven program.
In particular, the City of San Jose’s proposed budget includes $2.3 million less than it contributed in the current fiscal year. Without additional funding, about 600 fewer at-risk residents will be able to receive assistance from the Homelessness Prevention System in the upcoming year.
With federal safety net programs being slashed and an uncertain economy pushing more vulnerable families toward homelessness, we cannot afford to reduce funding for this critical program.
Please join us in advocating for the San Jose City Council to add additional funding for the Homelessness Prevention System in the upcoming year’s budget.