Counties are on the frontlines of the homelessness response
efforts and protecting Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention
(HHAP) funding is paramount to support vital programs. Today,
CSAC Chief Executive Officer Graham Knaus joined the Senate
Budget Subcommittee No. 4 to testify on behalf of California’s 58
counties’ experience with HHAP funding.
Knaus, alongside representatives from California’s cities,
continuums of care, and tribes, reinforced the call for ongoing,
flexible funding. Without additional funding for the HHAP
program, counties will be forced to shutter existing programs
that provide shelter, interim and permanent housing, and
essential services.
Furthermore, Knaus underscored the deficiencies in the HHAP
funding formula, which currently relies on Point in Time (PIT)
counts. This mechanism inadvertently penalizes successful
programs by diminishing future allocations. He also stressed
CSAC’s plea for a baseline county allocation, ensuring that all
counties receive a fundamental level of funding to initiate and
maintain programs.
The HHAP program has been transformative to local efforts to
address homelessness. Counties have been able to increase the
availability of permanent supportive housing and provide the
supportive services that are needed to help individuals with high
needs remain successfully housed. The collaboration requirements,
flexible funding, and accountability measures of the HHAP program
are leading to successful program investments that must continue
to be prioritized.
