I'm currently homeless with my young son, living in Bakersfield, California. The Department of Human Services provides us with only 16 days of motel stays per year, and once those days are up, we're left with no other assistance. It's a constant struggle to find a safe place to stay, especially when you have children depending on you. The current system is failing families like mine, and it's not enough to simply provide temporary relief without ensuring long-term support and stability.

Homelessness in Bakersfield is a growing crisis, with many families facing similar challenges. The 16 days of shelter provided by the Department of Human Services is grossly inadequate, particularly for those with young children or those who are already vulnerable. For many families, securing permanent housing in just over two weeks is unrealistic given the economic challenges we face, including high rental costs and limited availability of affordable housing.

A report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reveals that family homelessness is on the rise, and children bear the brunt of this crisis. These children suffer from disrupted education, health issues, and emotional distress, which can have long-lasting impacts on their future. As a community, we cannot stand by while our children face this uncertainty and hardship.

It's imperative that the Department of Human Services revises its shelter policy to extend the number of days available to families in crisis. A more sustainable approach could be providing shelter for at least 30 days a month, ensuring that families have continuous support as they work towards securing permanent housing. Not only would this reduce the stress and uncertainty for families, but it would also provide them the stability needed to rebuild their lives.

We need your support to advocate for this change. Sign this petition to urge the Department of Human Services in Bakersfield to extend shelter days for homeless families. Together, we can create a more compassionate and supportive system for those who need it most.