Homeless California Council Member Fights for Others: Five Key Questions

Ventura City Councilwoman Liz Campos: From Eviction to Advocacy for the Homeless
June 4, 2024 | Photo by Julie Leopo-Bermudez for CalMatters

Summary

Before her election to the Ventura City Council, Liz Campos was on the brink of homelessness. Today, she lives in a van and continues her fight to support others facing similar challenges.

California, home to over 172,000 homeless individuals, leads the nation in homelessness. Contrary to popular belief, many homeless people are employed. A 2017 San Francisco survey revealed that 13% of the homeless population held part-time or full-time jobs. The crisis is underscored by reports of homeless doctors in San Diego.

Liz Campos, who was elected to the Ventura City Council in late 2022, experienced homelessness shortly before taking office. A former middle school teacher, Campos has called Ventura home for over 22 years.

In the following interview, Campos shares insights into how her personal experience with homelessness shapes her views and policies as a city council member. The responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.

Q&A with Liz Campos

How has your experience with homelessness shaped your approach as a city council member?

I’ve been advocating for the homeless since my college days, where I interned at a homeless assistance program. My stance hasn’t changed since being elected. Unfortunately, I became homeless when my landlord, disagreeing with my political views, evicted me and sold the property. This personal experience has only strengthened my commitment to enforceable tenant protections in Ventura.

What policies do you propose to address homelessness in Ventura and statewide?

I believe strong tenant protections are key to preventing homelessness. Beyond that, we need basic services for the homeless like showers, laundry facilities, clothing exchanges, and “listening posts” that connect people to housing resources.

Additionally, we need to rethink the narrative around solving homelessness. Building expensive housing doesn’t help those most in need. In fact, luxury condos drive up rental prices for lower-income residents.

Regulating short-term vacation rentals is also essential. These rentals reduce available housing stock, pushing more people into homelessness. Ventura has homeless schoolchildren, which should be a top priority. Homeless children are not vagrants or criminals—they need urgent support.

What are the challenges of serving as a city council member while homeless, and how do you manage them?

While my situation is better than many—I live in a van on private property and have a permanent address—life is still difficult. I rely on a wheelchair and lack basic facilities like a kitchen and shower. The hardest part is dealing with the negative stereotypes and rhetoric about homelessness.

Despite these challenges, I remain focused on helping those who are even less fortunate than me.

What would you like people to know about those experiencing homelessness?

First and foremost, they are human beings. Not all homeless people are drug users or criminals. Take a moment to greet them, and you may be surprised by the conversation.

What can the city and state do to prevent homelessness?

The government needs to regulate vacant housing and ensure that at least 50% of new housing developments are dedicated to low-income individuals. We also need to redefine what “affordable housing” truly means and ensure that inclusionary housing policies actually benefit the lowest-income residents.

Conclusion

Liz Campos’ story highlights the urgent need for stronger tenant protections and affordable housing initiatives in California. Her advocacy for the homeless—rooted in personal experience—offers a unique perspective in addressing the homelessness crisis in Ventura and beyond.

Homeless California Council Member Fights for Others: Five Key Questions

Q&A with Liz Campos

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