Napolitano Introduces the Bridge to End Homelessness Act

Press Release

Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte) introduced H.R. 4936, the Bridge to End Homelessness Act, which would establish a new competitive grant program through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to give funds directly to cities to construct interim housing for individuals experiencing homelessness.

"I applaud all of the efforts by local residents as well as city, county, and state government officials in tackling homelessness in the San Gabriel Valley," Napolitano said. "Combating this growing crisis requires collaboration from all, and the localized approach in this legislation ensures the federal government does its part, while giving local entities flexibility to determine what is right for them and their residents. It also very importantly requires that any new temporary housing include mental health services and other support services. I ask all of my colleagues to support this legislation to bring much-needed federal assistance to our communities."

The San Gabriel Valley saw a 24% increase in homelessness between 2018 and 2019, which points to a serious shortage of temporary housing for those in need across the region. According to the 2019 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Results, there were 4,479 individuals experiencing homelessness in the SGV, and of that number, 3,292 were living on the streets. Napolitano introduced H.R. 4936 after gathering input from local residents and government officials.

"The San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) welcomed the opportunity to provide policy recommendations to Congresswoman Napolitano and her staff as the Bridge to End Homelessness Act was drafted," said Cynthia Sternquist, President, SGVCOG and Temple City Councilmember. "Several years ago, SGVCOG leadership reached out to the cities and unincorporated Los Angeles County communities in the San Gabriel Valley to develop a regional strategy responding to the dire housing and homelessness crisis facing our residents. We are confident that robust federal resources provided through the Act could be put to immediate and effective use on the front lines of combating homelessness in our region."

The new grant program created by H.R. 4936 requires the following:

A local entity must identify property or land adjacent to a high-density homeless population to establish interim housing;
The site must be furnished with on-site mental health, employment, substance use disorder, and wellness resources;
The local entity must have a plan for targeted outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness within its jurisdiction

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