Addressing the Homelessness Crisis One “#,” One License Plate at a Time

April 24, 2018

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee approved a bill by Senator Richard D. Roth that will empower California drivers to lead social change one hashtag at a time. SB 1112 creates a specialized license plate allowing the use of the “#” symbol, which will fund supportive and transitional services.

“California’s homelessness crisis has reached a tipping point,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside). “While we are actively working to house people, the state must do more to help guarantee a person’s success in their transition to permanent housing. We need more funding for supportive services like mental health and substance abuse programs, or job training programs. This bill increases that vital funding.”

The Housing and Urban Development’s 2017 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress showed that California’s homeless population jumped nearly 14 percent from 2016 to 2017 – to a total of more than 134,000 people. California currently has about a quarter of the nation’s homeless population.

A recent report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities spotlights the significance of supportive services. Although stable housing is part of the solution -- as exemplified in Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention programs and No Place Like Home programs -- some people may need their housing coupled with supportive services to maintain it. For instance, service providers can help people with mental illness pay their rent on time, or can make sure people with chronic illnesses manage their diet and medicine properly, which can keep them out of hospitals or nursing homes.

Senator Roth continued: “Ending homelessness must become a California movement characterized by innovation. The power of the hashtag is undeniable. It is the uniting force behind so many modern movements. Why not use this incredible tool to give California drivers the chance to serve a much greater mission? Ending homelessness.”

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Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.