David Bouttavong

At Poverello House in Fresno, he engaged in street outreach to provide immediate assistance to homeless individuals in makeshift shelters—a role David describes as akin to being a first responder for the homeless community. When he transitioned to RH Community Builders, David focused on rapid rehousing for at-risk and currently unhoused college students from City College and Fresno State, providing students with the stability they need to continue their education and rebuild their lives.

David is also a loud and proud advocate for comprehensive sex education in schools, which he believes will have widespread impact on the health and well-being of students across the state.

Reflecting on his broader work, David believes that civic engagement is crucial to shaping policies that address the interconnected and complex needs of the unhoused community. Merely providing shelter is not enough—instead he advocates for a holistic approach that includes mental health support, job training, and medical care in order to truly help individuals achieve self-sufficiency. Prioritizing this approach to comprehensive care can lead to more informed policy and investment in solutions that achieve lasting success.