Growing up on skid row, moving through the Jordan Downs projects, and experiencing homelessness in Bakersfield and Berkeley, housing instability shaped my entire life. I was no stranger to insecurity, having faced unsuitable living conditions marked by mold, lead contamination, and blatant discrimination at every turn. Despite graduating from UC Berkeley, the struggle for decent housing never ceased — it only highlighted the pervasive issues affecting the Queer, BIPOC, and disabled groups.

The injustice of housing elitism is glaring, especially when countless individuals continue to suffer amidst ample resources that are squandered. As a former housing tester, I have witnessed countless cases where the systems meant to protect us fail miserably. On any given night, millions of homes sit vacant across America, amid a housing crisis that is more profound than ever, with thousands of these potential shelters lying unused in the Bay Area alone.

It is unacceptable that these homes, which could offer refuge and dignity to countless homeless individuals, remain empty. The evidence is undeniable. According to a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there are over 17 million vacant homes in the U.S., with a significant percentage of homelessness concentrated in the Bay Area. This dichotomy is a damning testament to a failing system.

We must demand action from local government bodies, urging them to repurpose these idle properties. By implementing policies that provide tax incentives for property owners to lease their vacant homes to non-profit housing organizations, we can create meaningful partnerships that provide immediate housing solutions. We should also advocate for allocation of more funding towards refurbishing these properties, making them safe and habitable for those in need.

Furthermore, it is crucial to address the systemic issues that keep marginalized communities out of fair housing opportunities. Enforcing stricter anti-discrimination laws and providing substantial support for fair housing education can ensure that no individual suffers the indignity of homelessness due to their identity.

We can unite to change this untenable reality. We must transform vacant homes into shelters, not just in the Bay Area but across the nation, to provide the housing security every person deserves. We cannot stand idly by while potential homes remain locked behind indifference.

Join me in urging our local and national leaders to prioritize the filling of these vacant homes. Sign this petition to demand a fair shake for those who are denied the basic human right to shelter. Together, we can make a difference one home at a time.