09/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/19/2024 13:52
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Governor Newsom signed into law a comprehensive bipartisan housing package to build on California's long-term strategy to help address homelessness and housing scarcity. The Governor also announced the release of guidance on up to $2.2 billion in funding for Homekey+ permanent supportive housing - with half reserved for veterans - to be made available ahead of schedule through Proposition 1.
SAN FRANCISCO - Governor Gavin Newsom today signed a new bipartisan legislative package to strengthen California's laws addressing the housing and homelessness crisis. The laws represent a comprehensive effort to streamline housing production, and hold localities accountable to state housing law.
Governor Newsom also announced the release of new program guidance for up to $2.2 billion in funding through Proposition 1 to build permanent supportive housing for veterans and other individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorder challenges who are at risk for or experiencing homelessness. The program, known as Homekey+, will extend the successful Homekey model by emphasizing the acquisition and rehabilitation of existing buildings or other project types that can be quickly converted or constructed into permanent affordable housing. Applications will open in November and funding will be continuously distributed beginning in May 2025. Detailed information and a fact sheet can be found HERE.
"No more excuses. California is taking action to fix the decades-long homelessness, housing, and mental health crises. These new laws - paired with the state's unprecedented resources - will deliver more housing, get people off the streets, and provide life-changing support that will benefit all Californians," said Governor Newsom.
The legislation will add to California's ongoing efforts to address the decades-long housing and homelessness crisis and create foundational changes that will build strong communities now and in the future.
What these new laws do:
What the Prop 1 funding for new Homekey+ housing does:
Why this matters
California continues to address a decades-long homelessness and housing affordability crisis. According to the most recent verified data, in 2023 roughly 181,000 Californians experienced homelessness, with approximately 90,000 people in unsheltered conditions. Although there are many reasons why someone may lose access to housing, the lack of available affordable homes in California is a key driver. Most people who enter homelessness are rent-burdened and cite economic hardship such as increased rent or housing costs. Adding to the inventory of available housing is an essential part of the state's strategy to address this challenge.
Lack of affordable housing, quality mental health and addiction services, and homelessness are all part of the same problem - and much of the responsibility to address these problems directly falls on local jurisdictions. New accountability and more enforcement are needed to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively.
Laying a strong foundation to create housing for all
Since taking office, Governor Newsom, in partnership with the Legislature, has invested over $40 billion to boost affordable housing and more than $27 billion to address homelessness and elevated the urgency of solving the housing and homelessness crisis. Governor Newsom has advanced significant laws and made structural policy changes that will create lasting and long-term positive impacts to provide Californians with housing access.
These policy changes require cooperation from local jurisdictions to create enough housing units for every California resident. The Governor has enacted dozens of CEQA reforms into law and championed the creation of the Housing Accountability Unit at the California Department of Housing and Community Development to ensure cities and counties fulfill their legal responsibilities to plan and permit their fair share of housing. The unit has "unlocked" more than 7,500 housing units for California families by working with local jurisdictions or by taking actions to enforce. This focus on accountability has, in part, led to a 15-year high in housing starts in California.
Today's announcement also follows Governor Newsom's recent executive order that, among other things, urges local governments to use the unprecedented state funding to address unsanitary and dangerous encampments within their communities and provide people experiencing homelessness in the encampments with the care and supportive services they need.
California's mental health transformation
California is modernizing the behavioral health delivery system to improve accountability, increase transparency, and expand the capacity of behavioral health care facilities for Californians. Proposition 1, which was passed by voters in May 2024, includes two parts: a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond for treatment settings and housing with services, and historic reform of the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) to focus on people with the most serious illnesses, substance disorders, and housing needs. More information about California's transformation of our entire mental health and substance use disorder system can be found at mentalhealth.ca.gov.
Governor Newsom signed the full list of housing bills below:
Preventing and Ending Homelessness
Accountability
Housing Streamlining and Production
Transparency and Efficiency
Housing Protections
Tribal Housing