Nation’s Finest, a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting America’s military Veterans and their families, is drawing attention to Proposition 1, a significant initiative slated for the March 2024 ballot in California. 

Keep reading to learn more about this important ballot measure and why you should keep it on your radar this election season!

What is Proposition 1?

Proposition 1 is a measure on the March 2024 California ballot that will refocus billions of dollars in existing funds to prioritize Californians — including our Veterans — with the deepest mental health needs, those living in encampments, and those suffering the worst substance abuse issues. 

Specifically, Proposition 1 will:

  • Expand community-based mental health and addiction services across the state and serve tens of thousands of Californians per year.
  • Build supportive housing settings where over 11,000 Californians with the severest mental health needs can live, recover, stabilize, and thrive.
  • Prioritize treatment, not incarceration, for those with mental illnesses.
  • Provide $1 billion to serve Veterans experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance abuse issues.
  • Help fund additional professionals so that people with mental health needs can get help in real time.
  • Enforce strict accountability measures, including mandatory audits, to ensure that funds are spent as promised. 

“We see the signs of our broken mental health system every day — too many Californians suffering from mental health needs or substance use disorders are unable to get the support or care they need,” said Governor Newsom. “This will prioritize getting people off the streets, out of tents, and into treatment.”

Why is Proposition 1 Important?

Mental health and homelessness continue to disproportionately impact those who have served our country. Proposition 1 holds significant importance for California’s Veteran community as it focuses on addressing pressing issues such as mental health, homelessness, and substance abuse.

One-third of all homeless Veterans in the U.S. live in California. In all, more than 10,000 Veterans are experiencing homelessness in California. The California Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that half of the state’s unhoused Veterans suffer from some kind of behavioral health issue. Veterans are 57% more likely to commit suicide then non-Veterans. Nearly 100,000 California Veterans experience post traumatic stress disorder, and more than 300,000 California Veterans experience food insecurity.

Nation’s Finest Delivers Quality, Compassionate Care

At Nation’s Finest, we prioritize the well-being of Veterans and are dedicated to ensuring they receive the support they deserve. As a service provider, we offer comprehensive supportive services tailored to the needs of Veterans and their families, including mental health assistance, housing support, and substance abuse counseling. 

We urge our community members to educate themselves about Proposition 1 and its potential impact on the Veteran community. Nation’s Finest stands ready to work with local communities, other service organizations, and government entities to help Veterans in need using the resources provided by Proposition 1, if passed. 

Let’s ensure that Veterans and their families receive the care and support they need to thrive! For more information about Nation’s Finest and our services for Veterans, please explore our website or call 1-833-468-9676.