SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Juan Alanis announced that his bill to expand the Youth Homelessness Act of 2018 passed the Assembly Floor with zero opposition.
AB 1817 would create two additional goals to end and prevent youth homelessness in California, including goals to address food insecurity and economic instability among those ages 12-24 in California.
“This bill would create a more comprehensive list of goals to address the needs of our homeless population,” said Assemblyman Alanis. “We need to ensure that one of California’s most vulnerable populations has access to nutritious food, job opportunities, and affordable housing.”
When the Youth Homelessness Act of 2018 was first passed, the state began tracking goals related to the number of people experiencing homelessness and the duration of homelessness. However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, it became evident that our homeless population is experiencing food insecurity, economic instability, and mental and physical health issues at unprecedented rates.
“I am proud that AB 1817 has passed through the Assembly with the support of my colleagues,” said the Assemblymember. “If passed, this bill would become one step toward addressing California’s homelessness rates from a comprehensive perspective.”
AB 1817 passed unanimously on the Assembly Floor and is now headed to the Senate for referral to a policy committee.
Assemblymember Juan Alanis represents the 22nd Assembly District, which includes the communities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres, Denair, Patterson, Gustine, Newman, Hilmar, Ballico, Snelling, Keyes, Grayson, Crows Landing, Diablo Grande, Stevinson, & Empire.