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Catholic Charities of California Announces Support
for Prop. 1C Housing Bonds

PRESS RELEASE
Catholic Charities of California
October 10, 2006

Contact: Steve Pehanich
916-313-4005

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Board of Directors of Catholic Charities of California today announced its support for Proposition 1C, the Housing Bond Act, in order to develop affordable housing and to address the needs of battered women, foster youth and other vulnerable people and families.

"Housing is a basic right," said Executive Director Steve Pehanich. "When hard working families and other vulnerable people can’t find decent housing in our communities, we have to do something about it."

California has 21 of the 25 least affordable markets in the country, explained Pehanich. Catholic Charities is a leader in providing housing to low-income and disadvantaged people, so it is acutely aware of the difficulties imposed on families and individuals caused by escalating prices and substandard housing.

"Our agencies operate emergency shelters, affordable housing units, shared housing programs, transitional housing and rental assistance programs throughout the state," said Pehanich.

"By voting for Proposition 1C, the people of California have an opportunity to continue the successful battle to improve housing options that voters started by approving Proposition 46 four years ago," he said.

In addition to the high cost in urban areas, Pehanich cited the lack of alternatives for seniors, working families, battered women and youth leaving foster care as reasons for the need to support Proposition 1C.

"Voters get it," noted Pehanich. "With 360,000 homeless people in California and many thousands more struggling on a daily basis, they see the need in their communities and they want to do something about it.

"Proposition 1C is their chance," Pehanich said, "and we’re confident voters will give this measure their support."

Catholic Charities of California is a not-for-profit organization committed to offering social solutions at state and local levels that reduce poverty and human suffering. It provides joint service development, marketing, public policy advocacy and mutual support for the 12 diocesan Catholic Charities in California. In 2004, its member agencies provided food, shelter and other services to nearly 800,000 people.