County AT HOME Plan
The California State Association of Counties Offers New “AT HOME” Plan to Address Homelessness
Even though homelessness is the humanitarian crisis of our time, California lacks a comprehensive plan to address it effectively and equitably. Despite significant investments and partnerships between the state and local governments, our response to helping those who are unhoused remains fragmented and lacks clear lines of responsibility, accountability, and sustainability.
In California our Counties run or administer most health and human services programs on behalf of the state and federal governments. This safety net of programs includes CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, mental health, and substance use disorder services, In-Home Supportive Services, Child Welfare Services, Adult Protective Services, and CalFresh. The ‘AT HOME’ Plan was developed in an effort to analyze barriers to addressing homelessness and develop solutions, tailored to the unique needs and resources of our local communities.
To make meaningful progress in helping those who are unhoused, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) offers the six pillars of the ‘AT HOME’ Plan:
Accountability: Clear responsibilities aligned to authority, resources, and flexibility for all levels of government.
Transparency: Integrate and expand data to improve program effectiveness.
Housing: Increase and maintain housing units across the spectrum.
Outreach: Develop sustainable outreach systems and increase workforce to support these systems.
Mitigation: Strengthen safety net programs.
Economic Opportunity: Create employment and education pathways, as well as supports for basic needs.
AT HOME includes broad goals and specific policy proposals to ensure clear lines of responsibility and accountability for every level of government while improving the way California collectively responds to homelessness. For more information about the CSAC AT HOME Plan and how HomeAid Northern California is engaging at the county level, please contact Crisand Giles.