PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS AND SUPPORTING THOSE at RISK

I believe one of the most important responsibilities of local government is to help prevent people from falling into homelessness in the first place. Once someone loses housing, the path back can be difficult, costly, and uncertain. That is why Seaside must stay focused on prevention, early intervention, and practical support for residents who are at risk.

This issue is about more than housing alone. It is also about mental health, addiction treatment, job readiness, family stability, and access to help before a setback becomes a crisis. I believe Seaside must continue working with county agencies, nonprofit organizations, faith-based partners, and service providers to connect people to the support they need at the right time.

Prevention must remain our first priority. That means helping residents stay housed when they face financial hardship, family disruption, or sudden emergencies. It also means strengthening renter assistance, mediation, eviction-prevention support, and outreach so more people know where to turn before they lose housing.

We must also do more for residents who are already struggling. That includes stronger connections to mental health care, substance-use treatment, employment support, and case management. No single agency can solve this challenge alone, which is why coordination and accountability matter.

Affordable housing is part of the solution, but prevention must lead the way. If I am re-elected, I will continue fighting for policies that help people stay housed, strengthen renter stability, expand supportive services, and improve coordination with the partners working every day on this challenge.

I want Seaside to respond with both compassion and seriousness. We should do more to help residents stay on their feet, get back on their feet, and move toward lasting stability.

Optional closing line:
“I believe the best way to fight homelessness is to prevent it, respond with compassion, and keep working until people regain stability and hope.” — Ian N. Oglesby