According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on any one night in California there are approximately 134,000 individuals without a home. Of these, the state has the highest percentage of unsheltered homeless individuals in the country, at just under 70 percent. Tragically, reports show that families represent one-third of the entire homeless population in the state.
This week we will continue our look at the homeless crisis in California and how it impacts us here on the Central Coast and discuss how funds from the Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP)-- a $500 million block grant initiative, meant to provide direct, immediate aid to local governments--- are being distributed locally and plans for their use.
Join Fred Munroe as he speaks with Wendy Lewis, President and CEO, El Camino Homeless Organization (ECHO), Julie Dahlen, Director, Community Services Department with the City of Paso Robles, Gail McNichols with Paso Cares, one of the proposals receiving local HEAP funding, as they discuss a plan to collaborate and use part of this funding to address homelessness in North San Luis Obispo County.
