The message:
Despite the rising cost of living, some cities in California have moved to criminalize acts of compassion. In El Cajon, for example, 12 people were cited simply for sharing food with unhoused community members. Fremont passed an ordinance earlier this year making it a crime to hand out resources like food and water. The ordinance was reversed only after public outcry. Further, Santa Ana threatened to prosecute a faith-based charity for providing aid to unhoused people at a church resource center.
The answer to houselessness is services and housing — not criminalization of humanitarian assistance.
SB 634 protects the right of Californians to provide critical life-saving resources to unhoused neighbors without fear of persecution and punishment.
Unfortunately, some cities across California are criminalizing compassion.
We know what works to end houselessness: safe, permanent, affordable housing as a right – not as a privilege that is reserved only for those who can afford California’s soaring rents. Until that vision is realized, people without stable homes need support — not further barriers to survival. Banning humanitarian assistance only deepens this crisis, threatening the health and lives of those already experiencing extreme deprivation. This is not the California we aspire to be.
Tell your California State Assemblymember: protect the right to help, vote YES on SB 634. Uphold Californians’ ability to provide humanitarian assistance to anyone in need, regardless of housing status.
The recipient:
Your State Assemblymember
