October 29, 2024

This week, Governor Newsom awarded $827 million in funding to 37 regional grantees through the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) Program Round 5, which is part of the $1 billion allocation aimed at addressing homelessness across the state. This funding is crucial for continuing county efforts to address the homelessness crisis by providing essential resources to implement effective solutions and support vulnerable populations throughout the state. The Governor noted that there are five regional grantees with pending applications undergoing further review that have not yet been awarded. The full of the 37 regional grantees can be found here. 

Behind the Funding: Advocacy that Drove Success

CSAC has played a pivotal role in shaping California’s homelessness response through its advocacy efforts, particularly with the formation of two key workgroups: the Homelessness Action Team (HAT) and the Homelessness Policy Solutions Group (HPSG). The HAT, composed of county supervisors, established the CSAC Homelessness Principles, adopted in September 2022 and integrated into our policy platform. Meanwhile, the HPSG, comprised of over 40 county leaders and staff, worked collaboratively to create comprehensive policy solutions for addressing homelessness.

These collective efforts laid the foundation for the AT HOME Framework, unveiled by CSAC in early 2023. This strategic framework outlines California’s homelessness response across six critical pillars: Accountability, Transparency, Housing, Outreach, Mitigation, and Economic Opportunity. CSAC’s strong advocacy for the Accountability pillar directly influenced the creation of AB 129, the trailer bill establishing HHAP Round 5. This legislation introduced vital accountability measures, including:

• Requirements for regionally coordinated homelessness action plans
• Joint funding applications among counties, cities, and continuums of care (CoCs)
• Clear Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that define roles and responsibilities

These enhancements ensure the effective utilization of homelessness funding and promote greater collaboration statewide.

A Collaborative Path Forward: Regional Homeless Action Plans

The regionally coordinated homelessness action plans required under HHAP Round 5 are intricate and collaborative efforts designed to address the multifaceted nature of homelessness. These plans necessitate comprehensive engagement from various stakeholders, including local governments, CoCs, and community organizations. Counties embarked on a rigorous process from October 2023 to March 2024, conducting public planning meetings to gather input and build consensus around the specific needs of their communities. This collaborative approach fosters transparency and ensures that the plans are informed by the voices of those directly affected by homelessness.

Throughout this process, counties worked diligently to define clear roles and responsibilities and outline how to improve key performance metrics to enhance accountability. The development of these performance metrics allows for ongoing evaluation, enabling counties to adapt their strategies as needed to meet the evolving challenges of homelessness.

Funding is a Start – Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

HHAP Round 5 funding distribution is a significant achievement in California’s fight against homelessness. This $1 billion investment reflects counties’ progress under the AT HOME framework, showcasing enhanced regional coordination between CoCs and local governments. The funding is instrumental in expanding critical services, such as permanent supportive housing and rental assistance, which are essential for stabilizing individuals in need. As counties prepare for Round 6 applications – secured through CSAC’s advocacy for safety net services during the state budget process – it’s important to highlight that the Governor has indicated the implementation of additional accountability measures. 

However, while we celebrate these milestones, it’s important to recognize that ongoing state funding is crucial to sustain and scale these efforts. CSAC will continue to advocate for ongoing funding and the flexibility needed to use these funds most effectively in our communities. Without consistent financial support, proven programs that integrate housing and supportive services could face serious challenges, jeopardizing our progress. To truly address homelessness effectively, we need a long-term commitment from the state to ensure these initiatives remain robust and impactful.

What’s Next

County leaders and staff serve on the frontlines of the homelessness response, tirelessly providing essential services to vulnerable Californians. We encourage counties to continue their collaborative efforts, embrace innovation, and advocate for additional funding. By working together to secure the necessary resources, we can develop long-term solutions that address the immediate crisis and foster sustainable change in our communities.