CSAC statement on local progress in reducing homelessness

Sacramento, CA — California State Association of Counties (CSAC) President and Inyo County Supervisor Jeff Griffiths issued the following statement Wednesday as the state reported local progress in reducing homelessness:

We agree with the governor: Thanks to years of hard work on the ground, counties and cities are showing results.

But now, because of the new state budget, local governments will be forced to defund successful efforts making real progress.

Why on earth would we stop funding the program most responsible for this success?

Unless the state reverses course, we’ll look back at this moment as the one that got away.

Background:

The FY25-26 state budget signed into law on June 30^th zeroed out the Homeless Housing, Prevention and Assistance (HHAP) program for the current fiscal year.

Historical HHAP funding:
2019-20: $650 million
2020-21: $300 million
2021-22: $1 billion
2022-23: $1 billion
2023-24: $1 billion
2024-25: $1 billion
2025-26: $0

Earlier this year, CSAC released the first — and so far, only — comprehensive and credible proposal to address homelessness. The AT HOME framework calls for a proof-of-concept pilot in counties and cities with strong existing working relationships. Those who opt in would agree to clear responsibilities at each level of government, and to streamline the development process for shelter, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing projects.

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