The Senate Human Services Committee in California convened on June 30, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 678, which aims to enhance support for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness. The bill, presented by Assemblymember Lee, mandates the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) to develop best practices and policies that ensure LGBTQ+ individuals receive culturally competent and inclusive services when accessing state-funded housing and homelessness programs.

The meeting highlighted the unique vulnerabilities faced by LGBTQ+ Californians, particularly queer youth and elders, who are disproportionately affected by housing instability. Statistics presented during the session revealed that LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their peers, with nearly one in three transgender individuals reporting housing insecurity at some point in their lives. Assemblymember Lee shared personal experiences from his time as mayor of Berkeley, emphasizing the need for targeted support for these communities.

Supporters of AB 678, including representatives from Equality California and the Trans Latina Coalition, underscored the barriers LGBTQ+ individuals face in accessing safe and affordable housing. They noted that many service providers lack the necessary training and resources to effectively support LGBTQ+ clients, leading to discrimination and fear of violence in shelters. The bill seeks to address these issues by requiring Cal ICH to identify best practices and improve data collection to measure outcomes and hold programs accountable.

Mel Escalante, a transgender man and training coordinator for the Trans Latina Coalition, emphasized the importance of lived experience in shaping effective solutions for homelessness. He argued that empowering service providers with the right tools and knowledge would lead to better outcomes for all constituents, not just those within the LGBTQ+ community.

The committee members expressed their support for the bill, acknowledging the critical need for inclusive and affirming services. While some members raised concerns about ensuring that all individuals experiencing homelessness are treated with dignity and respect, the overall sentiment was one of commitment to advancing the legislation.

AB 678 is seen as a significant step toward addressing the homelessness crisis among LGBTQ+ individuals in California, with the potential to improve access to housing and reduce the risk of returning to homelessness. The bill will now move forward for further legislative and budgetary action.