Anaheim, CA - August 25, 2025 - Former Mayor of Anaheim Harry Sidhu is raising awareness about the urgent need for local communities to take bolder, faster action on homelessness and economic opportunity—especially for working families and small business owners. Drawing on lessons from his time leading Anaheim through crisis, Sidhu says the most lasting change happens when local leaders focus on immediate action, not red tape.
“You don’t need to be in Congress to make a difference,” Sidhu says. “You just need to care enough to act—especially when lives are at stake.”
The Numbers Behind the Crisis
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reports that over 653,000 people are experiencing homelessness in the U.S.—the highest number on record. California alone accounts for nearly 30% of the nation’s homeless population.
Meanwhile, a 2024 report by the U.S. Small Business Administration shows that 1 in 3 small businesses remain vulnerable due to inflation, labour shortages, and lack of access to capital—especially among immigrant and minority-owned firms.
“When I was mayor, I saw the link between stable housing and strong local economies,” Sidhu explains. “You can’t rebuild communities if people don’t have a roof over their heads or a way to earn a living.”
Lessons From Anaheim
As Mayor from 2018 to 2022, Sidhu championed practical, boots-on-the-ground policies—including:
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Opening an emergency homeless shelter within weeks of taking office
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Launching targeted small business relief during COVID-19, including over $70 million in community aid
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Providing grants and training to Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and first-time business owners
“We didn’t wait for perfect funding or perfect timing,” he says. “People needed help now. So we got creative and moved fast.”
A Call to Cities and Citizens
Sidhu is now encouraging current leaders and residents alike to take ownership of what happens in their own backyards.
“Every city has empty lots, old buildings, underused funds, and people with ideas,” Sidhu says. “You don’t need to build a perfect solution. You need to start.”
He emphasises the need for community-led partnerships, not just government-driven initiatives.
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Faith groups and nonprofits can help identify families in need
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Local business owners can offer internships and training programmes
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Residents can volunteer, advocate, and push for faster timelines
“Success doesn’t come from big speeches. It comes from the small, quiet things we do every day to make someone’s life better,” he adds.
What Individuals Can Do Today
Sidhu encourages residents to focus less on what governments aren’t doing, and more on what they can do:
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Support or mentor a local entrepreneur starting out in your community
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Donate supplies, time, or space to a nearby homeless shelter or housing initiative
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Push your city council for faster solutions, not just studies
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Volunteer for job fairs or small business clinics
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Educate yourself on how city budgets work and where resources are being underused
“My life started with six dollars and a mop,” Sidhu says. “And I was lucky. But luck only works when people give you a chance. That’s what cities should be doing—giving people a real shot.”
About Harry Sidhu
Harry Sidhu is a retired public servant, entrepreneur, and former Mayor of Anaheim, California. Born in India and raised in Philadelphia, he built a successful career in engineering and franchising before entering public service. As mayor, he led Anaheim through one of the most challenging periods in its history, focusing on homelessness, small business support, and pandemic response. He continues to advocate for local action, opportunity, and resilience in retirement.
Start where you are. Help how you can. Local problems don’t need perfect answers—just real effort. Pick one issue. Pick one action. And move.
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Email: harrysidhu@emaildn.com
Location: Anaheim, California
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