February 28, 2025
The Honorable Mia Bonta
Chair, Assembly Health Committee
1020 N Street, Room 390
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: Opposition to AB 20 (DeMaio)
Dear Chair Bonta,
Mental Health America of California (MHAC) writes in opposition to AB 20 (DeMaio), legislation that would repeal Housing First in an attempt to end homelessness. However, Housing First is a policy model that prioritizes providing permanent supportive housing to unhoused individuals, immediately ending their homelessness regardless of if they receive services. Repealing Housing First would have the opposite effect to the legislation’s intended purpose, exacerbating homelessness rather than solving it.
MHAC is a peer-run organization leading the state in behavioral health public policy and advocacy since 1957. The mission of MHAC is to assist and encourage communities, families and individuals to experience hope, wellness and recovery from mental health and substance use disorder issues through voluntary services that are delivered in their local community with compassion and respect for everyone’s dignity and autonomy.
Housing First plays a vital role in advancing MHAC’s mission by ensuring that housing remains a stable support for individuals in recovery, particularly for unhoused individuals facing behavioral health challenges. Many unhoused individuals experience substance use and mental health challenges while living on the streets. An analysis of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care Program found that 23% of unhoused Californian’s experience chronic substance abuse.[1] Housing First ensures access to permanent supportive housing by protecting individuals from housing discrimination, irrespective of their substance use, treatment history, or engagement in services. As California continues investing in resources to support our unhoused community, housing remains the most effective tool for getting people off the street. Once housed, individuals are more likely to voluntarily seek out mental and behavioral health services.
It is for these reasons MHAC must oppose AB 20 (DeMaio) and ask for your “No” vote. If you have any questions, or if MHAC can provide any assistance on this bill or any other behavioral health legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Director of Public Policy, Karen Vicari, at kvicari@mhaofca.org.
In Community,
Heidi L. Strunk
President & CEO