Just days after California’s effort to combat homelessness got a big boost, activists say it isn’t enough. 

Last week, Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic legislative leaders agreed to half a billion dollars in one-time spending. 

First, they rallied outside the California Association of Realtors’ office. 

They posted posterboard-sized “Eviction Notice” on the door.

Then, a brief march on L Street across the Capitol, blocking traffic for a few minutes before descending on the west steps of the Capitol.

It’s the Poor People’s Campaign. 

Their message: fight poverty, not the poor. 

“Legislature seems like they’re not doing the right thing to protect their constituents,” said Abdullah Muhammad with the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment. 

The campaign mixes a number of statewide activists and groups to speak out in support of unions and against rent increases, low wages, and homelessness. 

Just last week, the legislature and governor’s office announced a one-time $500 million investment to combat the homelessness crisis.

“That’s not even a drop in the bucket to deal with homelessness in the state of California. It’s a joke,” said Muhammad. 

The latest state budget adds more than $100 million — more than what Gov. Jerry Brown first proposed in May on homelessness, but it is significantly less than what the Senate pushed for — $5 billion over four years. 

Bay Area State Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Oakland) was one of the key senators pushing to use a budget surplus to get about $1 billion this year to help with the crisis. 

“I agree with the Poor People’s Campaign — $500 million, given this year of high revenues is not enough, but at least we have $500 million to put out to our cities and counties next year and I’m thankful for that,” Skinner said.

Skinner points to two additional ballot measures — a housing bond and one expanding housing for those with mental illnesses — in November for potential funds. 

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