my name is katie fischer and i have the pleasure of representing silicon valley bank this morning. i want to give you some numbers to honor the challenge that we're up against here. about 12% of the country lives in california. however, 28% of all people experiencing homelessness live in california. 31% of all homeless veterans in the country live in california. 36% of the national population of unaccompanied homeless children live in california. as many here now, the definition of homelessness is varied and it often includes individuals with temporary shelter. california accounts for more than half of all unsheltered people in the country. that's nearly nine times the number of unsheltered people in the next state, texas. i want to honor the connection between mental illness and homelessness. mental illness proceeds homelessness. and tndc has an award-winning phenomenal services arm that offers outreach, advocacy, conflict, resolution, addiction, reduction, harm reduction, translation -- [applause] it's a critical element in the housing first plan and it's the only way to sustain

my name is katie fischer and i have the pleasure of representing silicon valley bank this morning.ant to give you some numbers to honor the challenge that we're up against here. about 12% of the country lives in california. however, 28% of all people experiencing homelessness live in california. 31% of all homeless veterans in the country live in california. 36% of the national population of unaccompanied homeless children live in california. as many here now, the definition of homelessness is varied and it often includes individuals with temporary shelter. california accounts for more than half of all unsheltered people in the country. that's nearly nine times the number of unsheltered people in the next state, texas. i want to honor the connection between mental illness and homelessness. mental illness proceeds homelessness. and tndc has an award-winning phenomenal services arm that offers outreach, advocacy, conflict, resolution, addiction, reduction, harm reduction, translation -- [applause] it's a critical element in the housing first plan and it's the only way to sustain long