## California Bill Aims to Provide Temporary Shelter for Students Facing Housing Crisis
A proposed law in California seeks to offer immediate relief to students experiencing housing insecurity by allowing them to sleep in their cars on college campuses. The legislation comes as the state grapples with a severe and long-standing housing crisis characterized by high costs and low homeownership rates.
According to a report from the Public Policy Institute of California, California faces some of the lowest homeownership rates and highest housing expenses in the nation. Rent prices are notably elevated, averaging approximately 50% above the national median.
Addressing an Urgent Need
Assemblymember Corey Jackson, a Democrat representing California, introduced the bill in March with the goal of providing a short-term solution to this widespread problem. The proposal mandates that chancellors of state universities and governing boards for community college districts establish overnight parking programs by late 2026. These programs would be overseen by “basic needs coordinators and campus security.”
As Jackson stated, “This bill confronts a harsh reality to many of our students who are sleeping in their vehicles or other displaced settings as they are unable to find affordable housing, and that’s jeopardizing their education. What I am proposing is practical, immediate relief, overnight parking programs that turn campus lots into safe, temporary havens while the state works on lasting solutions.”
The Scope of the Problem
A 2023 survey by the Community College League of California revealed a stark picture: nearly three out of five community college students in the state are housing insecure, and one in four experience homelessness.
- Housing Insecurity: Almost 60% of California community college students
- Homelessness: Approximately 25% of California community college students
Jackson emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach, stating, “We are in a housing crisis. We are in a homelessness crisis, and it’s not an either or approach. It’s a both and all of the above approach.”
Previous Attempts & Current Debate
While numerous legislative efforts this year focus on funding student housing initiatives or streamlining building regulations, Jackson’s bill prioritizes immediate assistance for students struggling with affordability. A similar proposal from last year did not pass, but a revised version successfully cleared the Assembly Higher Education Committee earlier in 2024.
The bill is now facing its first committee review and has already drawn considerable national attention, sparking debate amongst both conservatives and progressives regarding California’s housing market.
Reactions to the Proposal
Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher criticized the measure as a sign of failure, stating: “After wrecking affordability in California, Democrats have nothing left but bad ideas. They’re now proposing to let students sleep in cars because they can’t fix the housing crisis they created… Letting students live in parking lots isn’t a solution. It’s proof their policies have completely collapsed.”
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, while not commenting directly on the pending legislation, highlighted the state’s efforts to address homelessness, claiming progress is outperforming the nation and pointing to an increase in shelter beds – more than double what was created during the previous administration.
However, critics like Fox News contributor Hugh Hewitt argue that the core problem lies in a lack of housing supply. “The solution is not to create homeless encampments,” he said, predicting such programs would exacerbate the issue. He attributed California’s challenges to decades of restrictive policies and suggested the state’s political climate discourages new construction.
Progressive policy advisor Brendan Hartnett also weighed in, suggesting Newsom should prioritize addressing the housing crisis over pursuing media appearances.
