Silicon Valley Homeless Shelters Face Potential Increased Oversight Under New State Bill
SAN JOSE, CA – Homeless shelters across Santa Clara County could be subject to greater state scrutiny under a proposed bill gaining traction in Sacramento, raising concerns among local providers and advocates about potential impacts on already strained resources. Assembly Bill 2989, introduced by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), aims to establish statewide standards for shelter operations and increase accountability for how funds are spent.
The bill comes as Santa Clara County grapples with a record-high homeless population of 10,711, according to a January point-in-time count. Despite a meaningful county investment of roughly $47.5 million in shelters and temporary housing programs last fiscal year – a mix of state and local funds – only one in three homeless residents currently have access to the county’s 3,454 shelter beds. Advocates fear increased reporting requirements and potential penalties under AB 2989 could divert resources away from direct services.
Currently, shelter oversight largely falls to county and city governments. AB 2989 woudl require shelters receiving state funding to report data on bed utilization, services offered, and client outcomes to a newly established state oversight body. It also proposes a standardized inspection process and the potential for financial penalties for non-compliance.
“it’s crucial to establish greater accountability in shelters, as they serve as the foundation for a new beginning for people who have lost everything or are experiencing hardships,” said Supervisor Cindy Chavez, a vocal proponent of shelter improvements. “By enforcing accountability, we can better identify areas in need of betterment.”
However, some shelter providers worry the bill’s requirements could be overly burdensome. Kathryn Kaminski, director of the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing, stated that county staff already “conduct shelter site visits and meet with shelter providers regularly to address any programmatic or facility issues,” and work with nonprofits to resolve identified problems.
The county currently operates shelters at locations including 10 Kirk Ave. in East San Jose and a family cold weather shelter in Gilroy.
The bill is currently under consideration in the Assembly and, if passed, would likely take effect in the next fiscal year.Its passage could significantly alter the landscape of homeless services in Silicon Valley, potentially impacting the availability and quality of shelter beds for the region’s growing unhoused population.
