Lawmakers in the California legislature will continue on Monday the push to convince Gov. Jerry Brown to declare a statewide emergency because of the worsening homeless crisis—particularly in Los Angeles County.

State Sen. Isadore Hall, D-Compton, is expected to introduce a resolution calling on his Senate colleagues to press the governor to take action. A state of emergency declaration could enable counties to obtain significant funding and services to ease the enormous strains homelessness is placing on their communities and resources.

An estimated 115,000 people are homeless in California. More than 47,000 of these individuals are living in Los Angeles County—the largest concentration in the nation.

In mid-June, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution urging the governor to declare a state of emergency. The goal was to provide the homeless population with immediate and substantial help while County officials explored options for ongoing funding that could be placed before voters. Already this year, the Board has dedicated more than $100 million in one-time funding for homeless services and housing.

Before the legislature went into recess in June, the Assembly passed an almost identical resolution to the one expected to come before the Senate, which urges the governor to act by the close of this year’s legislative session on August 31. So far, however, the governor has resisted calls for a state of emergency declaration.

Organizations and individuals throughout California have, on their own, joined the effort. A petition—initiated by L.A. County and aimed at encouraging the governor to rethink his position—has garnered more than 18,000 signatures. This weekend, scores of homeless advocates are caravanning from Los Angeles to Sacramento to dramatize their concerns and urge the governor to declare a statewide emergency.

Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who has been pushing hard for relief in Sacramento, argued that the impact of homelessness is just as devastating as it is for the recent fires that destroyed homes and scorched hillsides—and for which a state of emergency has been declared.

The only difference, the Supervisor said, “is that homelessness is a slow-burning fire that, nevertheless, claims lives, neighborhoods and dreams.”

For more on L.A. County’s Homeless Initiative, click here.

Ed. Note: This is a news release provided by the Los Angeles County.