Governor Gavin Newsom this week announced a series of awards aimed at addressing homelessness and mental health challenges across California. The funding includes allocations for housing assistance, supportive services, and the implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act.
Homelessness Prevention and Housing
A second round of awards totaling $159.3 million have been made through the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program. This builds upon three regional awards announced in January, bringing the total HHAP Round 6 funding to approximately $578.9 million. Details on the 23 counties receiving funding can be found in the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s press release.
In addition to HHAP funding, $131.8 million in Homekey+ awards were announced for eight projects in Contra Costa, Los Angeles, San Joaquin, Tehama, and Yuba counties. These projects are expected to create 443 units for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness and living with behavioral health challenges. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will continue to review and approve Homekey+ applications on a rolling basis.
CARE Act Implementation
Governor Newsom too announced new designations related to the implementation of the CARE Act. Ten counties with the highest rates of CARE petitions per capita have been named “CARE Champions.”
Additional HHAP awards may be made on a rolling basis as HCD staff work with the remaining 19 applicants to resolve application issues and meet eligibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HHAP program?
The Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program aims to prevent and end homelessness.
What is Homekey+?
Homekey+ provides funding for projects that create units for Californians experiencing or at risk of homelessness and living with behavioral health challenges.
What is the CARE Act?
The CARE Act focuses on providing assistance, recovery, and empowerment for individuals facing mental health challenges.
As these programs move forward, it remains to be seen how effectively these funds will address the complex challenges of homelessness and mental health in California communities.
