Fresno District 3 Candidates' Homelessness Solutions

May 18, 2026 Post a Comment

Addressing Homelessness in Fresno: A Look at District 3 Candidates' Proposals

Fresno City Council District 3 candidates have presented a variety of ideas to tackle the city’s growing homelessness crisis. Their proposals include expanding mental health and addiction services, creating more permanent and affordable housing options, and increasing shelter capacity. These efforts aim to address the challenges faced by the unhoused community while reimagining the effectiveness of the current anti-camping ordinance.

The anti-camping ordinance, passed in fall 2024, bans sleeping, sitting, lying, or storing personal property in public spaces. It allows for arrests and encourages diversion into drug treatment and provisional housing instead of criminal charges. However, almost two years later, the law is seen as largely ineffective in reducing homelessness, with minimal participation in treatment diversions among those targeted in its “treatment first” program.

To gain insight into the candidates’ positions on these issues, The Bee recently asked each of the District 3 Fresno City Council candidates in the June 2 primary election to answer a series of questions related to their campaign and positions on local issues, including homelessness. The responses provided a comprehensive view of how each candidate plans to approach this complex challenge.

Candidate Perspectives on Homelessness Solutions

Fernando Alvarez

Fernando Alvarez emphasized the need for a balanced, results-driven approach that prioritizes both compassion and accountability. He proposed expanding access to mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and transitional housing. Alvarez also highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration between the city, faith-based organizations, and nonprofit groups already working on the ground.

He stressed the need for better coordination to connect individuals with services while maintaining clean neighborhoods. Prevention was another key point, with a focus on workforce development to keep people housed before they fall into homelessness.

Tiffany Apodaca

Tiffany Apodaca advocated for a comprehensive approach that combines housing with strong, coordinated services such as mental health care, addiction treatment, job training, and ongoing case management. She emphasized the importance of accountability and collaboration across systems, including law enforcement, healthcare, and community organizations, to ensure individuals do not fall through the cracks.

Her goal is not just to house people but to help them heal, rebuild, and stay housed.

Joaquin Arambula

Joaquin Arambula, an Assemblymember, spoke about the importance of dignity for all residents. He mentioned his experience overseeing dollars allocated to provide health care and social services for people to alleviate the homelessness crisis. Arambula supported housing coupled with mental health, substance abuse, and other wrap-around services to ensure people are supported and remain housed.

He also emphasized the need to build more housing, create sustainable jobs, and ensure transparency in how funding is used.

Keshia Thomas

Keshia Thomas highlighted the challenges of City/County cooperation in addressing the homeless crisis. She noted that while the city has made some efforts, the county has not been fully on board, despite holding much of the social service dollars. Thomas pointed out that many homeless individuals have mental health and substance abuse issues that require significant support.

She called for more housing, particularly in areas like West Fresno, and emphasized the need for more beds in shelters to meet demand.

Charles Montoya

Charles Montoya suggested reinforcing organizations that help people who are unhoused and building more housing, especially in District 3. He acknowledged the resources poured into solving the problem but believed that time is needed to see changes.

Jalen Swank

Jalen Swank focused on stabilizing residents to prevent them from becoming homeless. He proposed rent control policies, more property tax exemptions for the retired and disabled, and stricter vacancy control policies. Swank also emphasized the importance of adding language requiring light overnight security patrols and case management in affordable housing units to assist residents in feeling safe and stable.