Existing law establishes various programs to address homelessness, including requiring the Governor to create an Interagency Council on Homelessness. Existing law requires the council to, among other things, identify mainstream resources, benefits, and services that can be accessed to prevent and end homelessness in California and promote systems integration to increase efficiency and effectiveness to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness.

This bill would require the Governor to appoint a Statewide Homelessness Coordinator, within the Governor’s office, subject to confirmation by the Senate, to serve as the lead person for ending homelessness in California.

This bill would require the coordinator to perform prescribed duties, including, among others, identifying a local leader in each relevant city, county, city and county, or other jurisdiction to serve as a liaison between the coordinator and that jurisdiction, overseeing homelessness programs, services, data, and policies between federal, state, and local agencies, coordinating the timing of release of funds and applications for funding for housing and housing-based services impacting Californians experiencing homelessness, and, in collaboration with local leaders, providing annual recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor, as specified.

This bill would authorize the coordinator to adjust state goals to the extent allowed by state law.