San Bernardino has the highest homeless numbers in the region. Encampments in parks have caused safety issues, property damage, and deterred park use, leading to city cleanups and ordinance enforcement.
The city’s encampment clearance injunction worsened conditions when an ACLU lawsuit against the City of San Bernardino over aggressive encampment clearances—which involved destroying property and failing to accommodate disabilities—led to an injunction and then a major settlement in late 2024.
The problem is clear: San Bernardino needs more than enforcement. We need comprehensive solutions that treat people with dignity and address the root causes of homelessness.
Amy's Personal Experience
The housing affordability crisis is not an abstract policy issue for Amy—it is deeply personal.
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a family acquaintance named Daryl found himself at the intersection of multiple crises at once. He was recovering in a rehabilitation facility near Fontana, California after a serious car accident that left him with two broken ankles, a broken wrist, and other physical challenges. He had no immediate family support, and as his release date approached, the question loomed: Where would he go next?
Like so many individuals in the Inland Empire, Daryl was searching for stable housing while still physically healing. Amy and her husband began reaching out to housing resources across San Bernardino County and the surrounding region, only to find that nearly every option available to him was temporary, unsafe, or unsuitable for long-term recovery.
Compounding the challenge was Daryl’s past struggle with substance abuse. He was determined to protect his sobriety and made it clear that environments where illegal drug activity was present weren’t safe or healthy options for him—including many shelters, motels, and transitional housing facilities. Despite their best efforts, there simply were no affordable, stable housing options available that met his needs.
Together, they created a plan. If they allowed him to move into their home for 12 months, they would focus on helping him rebuild his life—physically, emotionally, and financially.
That 12-month plan turned into two years.
During that time, they helped Daryl learn money-management skills, connected him with a therapist to work through past trauma, and supported him as he prepared to eventually live independently. They continued searching—month after month—for housing he could afford that was not only safe, but also supportive of his recovery and long-term stability.
It took perseverance and assistance from community-based organizations, but eventually, they found a home for him. Today, three years later, Daryl is still housed, doing well, and enrolled in school. He is living proof that when people are given not just shelter, but support, lives can truly be transformed.
That is why housing policy matters so deeply to Amy. She has seen firsthand what happens when systems fail and what is possible when compassion, planning, and resources come together. Our community deserves solutions that treat people with dignity and give them a real chance to thrive.
A comprehensive, accountable approach to solving San Bernardino’s housing crisis
Work closely with faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations to expand transitional housing capacity across San Bernardino.
Create a coordinated network to repurpose vacant lots and hotels for affordable housing development.
Work closley with developers, and councilmembers to develop afordable housing while meeting timelines and budgets.
Launch a "San Bernardino Homelessness Response Dashboard" so residents can track real progress.
Pair housing with comprehensive support services to ensure long-term stability and success.
Connect residents with job opportunities and career development to build economic stability.
San Bernardino’s housing crisis requires leadership with both compassion and a comprehensive plan. Join Amy in creating real, lasting change.
