On Election Day, voters will face a number of important issues. One of particular relevance to thousands in our community is Proposition 1C, the Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006. Board members of the Community Services Agency urge a yes vote on 1C.
Believe it or not, every night 200 to 250 people are homeless in Mountain View. They sleep in their cars, on the couches or floors of friends, or out of doors. A fortunate few of the homeless reside in affordable permanent housing with additional services provided by CSA’s Alpha Omega Homeless Services program.
This program enables them to work steadily towards self-sufficiency. Many studies have shown that programs that provide permanent housing plus services are the best way to actually reduce homelessness. Proposition 1C will provide low-interest loans to develop affordable rental housing, which is critical for making permanent reductions in the number of homeless individuals and families.
For many who are not homeless, high housing costs mean that their financial resources are extremely limited. The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment in Mountain View this year (according to the Voice) is $1,920. With rents this high, an expense as seemingly insignificant as a car repair or an unplanned medical bill can often be enough to stretch poor families to the breaking point.
Last year, CSA served more than 4,000 people with emergency services such as rental support or food. We have seen first-hand how the burden of high rents has a profound impact on every aspect of our clients’ lives. At CSA’s Food and Nutrition Center, where 40 percent of those served are children, families receive free and healthy food to offset the crunch they are in due to the high costs of living in this area.
Proposition 1C will even make home ownership a possibility for some hardworking families. Homeownership assistance through grants for working families, military veterans and the disabled will provide some residents with good work and credit histories the opportunity to purchase a mobile home or small condominium.
Across the country, programs that result in permanent housing are getting the best results for long-term self-sufficiency and individual success. The authors of Proposition 1C know that allocating funds to spread this “best practice” will have positive results for California’s citizens and communities.
We realize there is a lot to study on this ballot. Please take the time to review Proposition 1C and consider its ability to improve the lives of so many in our community.
Carol Olson and Bruce Karney are directors of the Community Services Agency. They wrote this on behalf of the CSA Board of Directors.
