Housing element: emergency shelters, temporary housing, and supportive housing.
The bill significantly impacts local laws by requiring jurisdictions to develop comprehensive strategies to provide emergency shelters and related supportive services. This advancement means that localities must actively plan for and allocate resources to establish two year-round emergency shelters instead of the previous requirement of one. The goal is to transition individuals from emergency shelters into supportive housing, thus supporting a full spectrum of housing options for those in need.
Assembly Bill 3122, introduced by Assembly Member Santiago, amends Section 65583 of the Government Code regarding housing requirements for local governments. This bill aims to bolster the support and planning around housing for homeless populations by mandating that county and city housing elements must include an analysis of potential sites for emergency shelters, temporary housing, and supportive housing. The intent is to ensure that communities are equipped with the necessary plans to address and reduce homelessness effectively.
There are notable points of contention surrounding AB 3122, particularly regarding the expectations it places on local governments. Critics may argue that the requirements necessitate considerable financial and logistical resources that smaller jurisdictions may struggle to meet. Proponents, however, assert that the advancement of supportive infrastructure for the homeless is essential not only for public health and safety but also for the overall community wellbeing. This legislative measure is positioned as a key element in tackling chronic homelessness in the state.