Newsom touts progress as California sees rare decline in people living on streets
California – California officials say they are making progress in reducing homelessness among people who don’t have a place to live. Governor Gavin Newsom announced a new round of spending by the state to increase shelter, housing, and services while also keeping a closer eye on how public money is used.
The statement comes after reports of a 9% drop in the number of homeless people in the state who don’t have a place to live. This is the first time this has happened in more than 15 years, even if homelessness continues to increase across the country.
The governor noted that the progress is the result of years of steady state investment and a move toward solutions that focus on treatment. The Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program is sending more than $419 million in additional money to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. The money will pay for a mix of permanent housing, temporary shelters, outreach, and support programs that will help people get off the streets and into stable homes.
This is the first round of grants in the sixth cycle of the HHAP program, which has given out around $5 billion across the state over the course of several years. State officials stressed that this new cycle puts more emphasis on responsibility. Local governments that get money must show progress, keep their housing plans up to date, and fulfill performance goals. If they don’t, the state can take the money back.
Funding will help keep shelters and navigation centers open in San Francisco, where hundreds of adults and teens sleep each night. Los Angeles County and nearby communities will get the most money to help with temporary housing, permanent supportive housing services, quick rehousing, and measures to end encampments. The money will help keep and grow the number of emergency shelters in San Diego, as well as support long-term housing alternatives and efforts to stop homelessness.
Read also: Community input sought as San Mateo plans traffic and pedestrian upgrades
The announcement included information about Proposition 1, which voters passed in 2024 and is changing California’s mental and behavioral health services. The $6.4 billion bond package is paying for new treatment centers, supportive housing, and outpatient programs for veterans, individuals who are homeless, and people with major mental illness or substance use issues. According to state projections, the move will eventually lead to the creation of thousands of treatment beds and tens of thousands of outpatient slots.
Read also: Women’s Hall of Fame spotlight shines on San Mateo County community changemakers
State leaders said that making housing affordable remains the most important thing to do to stop people from becoming homeless in the long term. California is reopening applications for its down payment aid program for first-time homebuyers. This is part of a larger push to make housing more accessible, along with investments in homelessness.
Read also: San Mateo County warns foragers as deadly mushrooms surge statewide
Newsom noted that the mix of housing, treatment, and responsibility is starting to change things that have been going on for decades. The administration admitted that the problem is big, but they said that the recent drop in the number of unsheltered homeless people shows that long-term investment and tougher control can make a difference.
More data, resources, and statements is available here.
