Today is National Homeless Persons Memorial Day. Everyone should have a safe, warm place to live, and no life should be lost due to a lack of shelter. Today on the longest night of the year, we mourn those we have lost and reaffirm our commitment to use every tool at our disposal to promote safe, affordable homes and end homelessness.

“Acting urgently to address the housing crisis and working diligently to build and preserve affordable housing is key to preventing and reducing homelessness,” said CA Department of Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez. HCD is working to protect and support our most vulnerable populations through innovative programs and policies that provide all ranges of housing including interim housing, permanent housing and homeownership. And we need more cities, counties and local partners to say yes to affordable housing to help us ensure every Californian has a safe roof over their head.”