LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Today, the LA County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and coauthored by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath to support Assembly Bill (AB) 1738: Mobile Homeless Connect Pilot Program.
Several programs aimed at providing housing for people experiencing homelessness often combine federal, state, and local financing to build and operate deeply affordable housing paired with supportive services. Due to federal, state, and local oversight of these programs, people experiencing homelessness need a valid identification to participate in such programs. However, for someone experiencing homelessness, it can be challenging to keep track of their identification.
AB 1738, authored by Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo, would require the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to establish the Mobile Homeless Connect Pilot Program in specified areas to assist people experiencing homelessness with obtaining an ID. Such a program will speed up the process of rehousing individuals experiencing homelessness by processing documents and identification requests at interim housing sites and targeted encampments.
“It seems simple, but when you are living on the streets, keeping track of your identification can be incredibly challenging. Additionally, waiting in lengthy lines at the DMV may be a challenging experience for someone experiencing homelessness because of either previous trauma, current mental health challenges, or anxiety over leaving their property unattended on the street for an extended period,” said Supervisor Solis. “This program will help us move our unhoused neighbors into permanent housing more quickly. “
“Bringing DMV services directly to our unhoused neighbors gets people inside faster. This is a smart solution to a persistent barrier to housing,” said Supervisor Horvath. “I support every effort that employs creativity to urgently address our homelessness crisis, and am happy to join Supervisor Solis in supporting Assemblymember Carrillo’s bill to continue DMV’s Mobile Homeless Connect Pilot Program.”
The motion approved today directs LA County’s Chief Executive Office Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations Branch to support AB 1738.
To read the full motion, click here.
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