The number of homeless youth, veterans, and Americans have been on the rise in Kern County and the country at an alarming rate over the past four years. In California, The horrors of childhood trauma and poverty, mental illness, and chronic drug abuse surely add to the likelihood that someone lives on the streets. My plan would include:
lifting my district from the high levels of poverty it has been plagued by since 2005 including the skyrocketing housing costs.
Affordable Housing Initiatives:
- Advocate for and support policies that increase the availability of affordable housing.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to streamline the development and construction of affordable housing projects.
Policy Advocacy:
- Advocate for policies that protect vulnerable populations from discrimination and ensure equal access to housing opportunities.
- Work towards regulatory changes that promote inclusivity and affordability in housing markets.
Innovative Housing Solutions:
- Explore and invest in innovative housing solutions such as tiny homes, transitional housing, and other cost-effective alternatives.
- Promote sustainable and scalable models that address both short-term and long-term housing needs.
Prevention and Support Programs:
- Implement preventative measures to address the root causes of homelessness, including childhood trauma, poverty, mental illness, and substance abuse.
- Strengthen support programs for at-risk populations, including youth aging out of the Foster Care system.
Education and Employment Programs:
- Implement initiatives that focus on education and job training to enhance individuals’ employability and financial stability.
- Collaborate with local businesses to create job opportunities for those transitioning out of homelessness.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Establish mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of homelessness initiatives to ensure their effectiveness.
- Use data-driven approaches to refine and improve strategies over time.