CSAC Responds to Governor’s Mental Health Proposals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2023
Sacramento, CA – The California State Association of Counties (CSAC), representing all 58 counties in California, has long supported additional behavioral health-related housing and increased flexibility and effectiveness for MHSA funding. Both goals are key components of the county AT HOME Plan to address homelessness.
Truly addressing the homelessness crisis requires a broad view, and that is why counties put forth the AT HOME Plan to develop a comprehensive homelessness response system in which clear roles and responsibilities, accountability and funding are aligned with policies and outcomes for all levels of government.
“Counties are the state’s intergovernmental partner in delivering health and human services programs and are open to jointly crafting MHSA reform focused on best serving the needs of vulnerable Californians,” said Graham Knaus, CSAC CEO.
Proposed diversions of MHSA funding warrant caution as cuts to current local behavioral health services may result in a commensurate loss of critical federal matching funds and care for those living with behavioral health illness. The Governor’s proposal to create a separate housing bond is also worthy of additional discussion pertaining to local siting authority for much-needed behavioral health and low-income housing.
California’s Counties are committed to creating material progress on homelessness via collaboration on the AT HOME Plan and the establishment of clear responsibilities, accountability and funding for all levels of government. Our AT HOME Plan is designed to equitably address and prevent homelessness for all individuals and families within six key areas: Accountability, Transparency, Housing, Outcomes, Mitigation and Economic opportunity.
CSAC will partner with the Governor, the Legislature and all stakeholders to bring the vision of AT HOME to fruition and improve our communities. It is time to make comprehensive and meaningful progress on the homelessness crisis AT HOME.
All content herein may be attributed to Graham Knaus, CSAC Chief Executive Officer. The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is the voice of California’s 58 counties. Materials outlining the AT HOME Plan, including specific policy recommendations, are available at https://www.counties.org/home-plan.
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