Helping the Homeless | Policy & Systems Change

Policy & Systems Change

Policy Reform that Prioritizes Street Homelessness

Ending street homelessness requires more than building communities one by one. It demands bold, coordinated action across homelessness support systems. DignityMoves is at the forefront of state-level policy reform, driving legislative solutions that empower cities to act faster, build smarter, and invest in solutions that work.

We’re also working to reshape how homelessness is understood, funded and measured, moving the conversation toward holistic solutions that deliver functional zero homelessness, accountability for moving people inside, and scalable interim housing options for people living on the streets.

Advancing Policy Through Partnership and Momentum

DignityMoves is helping shape and advance critical legislation that will help move California closer to Functional Zero Unsheltered.

Looking Ahead

DignityMoves continues to work closely with state and local leaders, service providers, and a growing coalition of partners to advance policies that make interim supportive housing faster to build, easier to scale, and more responsive to community need. As we look ahead to the next legislative cycle, we are focused on expanding collaboration, refining proposals informed by on-the-ground experience, and building broad public support for solutions that bring people indoors with dignity and urgency.

Key Legislative Wins: The Interim Housing Act 2024

One of our most significant legislative achievements was co-sponsoring the Interim Housing Act (SB 1395) in 2024, which soared through the state legislature with unanimous, bipartisan support before being signed into law by Governor Newsom.

Authored by Senator Josh Becker and co-sponsored by DignityMoves, the Bay Area Council, SPUR, and the Office of San José Mayor Matt Mahan, this landmark legislation extends shelter crisis provisions—allowing municipalities to use emergency powers to build interim housing faster and more cost-effectively.

Most importantly, SB 1395 formally recognizes interim supportive housing as an essential part of California’s homelessness response, opening the door for cities and counties to act with clarity and urgency.

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Shifting Public Perception

One of the greatest barriers to solving street homelessness is the widespread belief that it cannot be done. A core pillar of our mission is to challenge that misconception by demonstrating that interim supportive housing solutions are not only available and achievable, but cost-effective and scalable.

Through public education, thought leadership, media engagement, and direct dialogue with decision-makers, we’re helping reframe the unsheltered homelessness conversation statewide.

Too often, discussions focus on long timelines, funding, or political gridlock—while people live unsheltered on our streets. We’re shifting that dialogue toward urgency, dignity, and real solutions.

Systems Change Strategies

Centering street homelessness in policy and planning

Promoting interim housing as an essential step on the path to stability

Measuring success by exits from the street, not just permanent housing placements

What’s Next in Systems Change

We’re continuing to work with legislators and local leaders to prioritize street homelessness, expand funding pathways, and center interim housing in California’s response to chronic and unsheltered homelessness.

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