Searching for Solutions to Growing Homelessness Crisis

Top leaders gathered in Sacramento this week (Feb. 28) in search of solutions to California’s housing and homelessness crisis at a summit convened by Capitol Weekly. Bay Area Council Vice President Adrian Covert told the group that the Bay Area has one of the largest and least sheltered homeless populations in the United States, but does little to coordinate resources at a regional level to address the problem. He shared data and findings from a homelessness report the Bay Area Council Economic Institute is preparing to release in the coming weeks that will serve as the foundation for a major initiative the Council will be announcing to address the homeless problem. Joining Covert in the discussion was Assemblymember David Chiu, who backed stronger data systems and regional approaches to solving homelessness. Other panelists included Karen Erickson of Catholic Charities of the East Bay, Anya Lawler of Western Center on Law and Poverty, and Chris Martin from Housing California. To engage in the Council’s homelessness work, please contact Vice President Adrian Covert.