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Bill

AB 654

Homelessness resource telephone system.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Caloza

AB 654 creates a statewide 24/7 homelessness hotline connecting Californians to shelter, services, and housing resources while clarifying funding and coordination mechanisms remains unresolved.

In committee: Held under submission.
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Bill Summary · AB 654

Legislative bill overview

AB 654 establishes a statewide telephone hotline system to connect individuals experiencing homelessness with available resources, services, and shelter information. The bill directs relevant state agencies to coordinate and implement this centralized resource-access mechanism accessible 24/7 across California.

Why is this important

Homelessness remains a critical issue in California, with fragmented local services making it difficult for unhoused individuals to access help. A unified hotline could reduce barriers to entry for emergency shelter, mental health services, addiction treatment, and housing assistance by providing a single point of contact rather than requiring people to navigate multiple county and municipal systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding and implementation costs: Establishing and maintaining a 24/7 statewide system requires sustained budget allocation; unclear whether bill specifies funding source or if costs fall to state versus local governments
  • Effectiveness and coordination gaps: Success depends on backend infrastructure connecting callers to actual available beds/services; without binding commitments from counties and nonprofits, hotline may simply provide phone numbers without guaranteed resource availability
  • Data privacy and tracking concerns: Centralized system collecting caller information raises questions about data security, how information is used, and whether participation could be tied to law enforcement or immigration status issues

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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