Policy & Legislation
AB 335 Helps Domestic Violence Survivors Access Funds
AB 335 (De Leon, D-Los Angeles) is designed to prevent homelessness among survivors of domestic violence. The bill, supported by Housing California, would make a sworn affidavit from the victim sufficient to establish eligibility for CalWORKs homeless assistance.
Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness among women and children in California. According to the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, almost 50 percent of homeless women in San Diego and 34 percent of homeless family members in Los Angeles are victims of domestic violence.
The third-party verification currently required for eligibility causes many families to be denied homeless assistance. AB 335 would make it easier for them to secure financial assistance and services to avoid homelessness.
The Senate Human Services Committee passed AB 335 with a unanimous vote in late June 2007. The bill will be heard next on the Senate Floor sometime between now and mid-September.
Contact: Narisha Bonakdar, (916) 447-0503 x 109 or