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Panel advances AB 678 to develop best practices ensuring LGBTQ+ affirming homelessness services
Summary
AB 678 would direct the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) to recommend best practices to ensure state-funded homelessness programs provide culturally competent, inclusive and affirming services for LGBTQ+ individuals; committee passed the bill to the Housing Committee.
Senator Ari Gwyn presented AB 678 on behalf of Assemblymember/Chair Lee to require Cal ICH to develop and recommend best practices and policies so state-funded homelessness programs deliver culturally competent, inclusive and affirming services for LGBTQ+ people.
Gwyn and supporters highlighted research showing LGBTQ+ youth and transgender people are disproportionately represented among those experiencing homelessness and that many avoid shelters for fear of harassment or violence. Rocco Powell of Equality California and Mel Escalante of Trans Latina Coalition testified in support, calling for better training, improved data collection and lived-experience leadership in designing services.
Supporters said the bill would produce policy recommendations and data needs for later legislative or budget action and that Cal ICH is the appropriate coordinating body because it convenes multiple state departments. Committee members expressed support and moved the bill. The item passed to the Housing Committee with votes recorded and the committee left the item on call pending absent member votes.
