How the state can avoid backsliding on homelessness

Sacramento, CA — As Gov. Newsom touts counties’ and cities’ progress on reducing homelessness, local leaders are warning of an imminent backslide unless the state acts before lawmakers adjourn in a few weeks.

“The governor correctly points to successes thanks to hard work from local government staff on the ground,” says Inyo County Supervisor and California State Association of Counties (CSAC) President Jeff Griffiths. “But gutting the state’s most successful program in reducing homelessness risks sabotaging the very efforts that are working. So we’re making crystal clear what we need to prevent state-induced failure.”

The newly approved state budget package zeroes out the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program for the current fiscal year, and only sets aside half the previous funding for next 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
• 2026-27: $500 million

In a letter submitted Monday, local leaders put forth a roadmap for how the governor and Legislature can ensure successful efforts don’t wither on the vine because state funding runs out.

“This process would maintain accountability while reducing the lengthy application process (which currently takes six months),” states the letter from CSAC, League of California Cities, Big City Mayors and the Bring CA Home Coalition. “It would ensure funds are deployed more quickly and prevent uncertainty and gaps in funding.”

Lawmakers and the governor are expected to negotiate an additional budget “trailer bill” early next month before the Legislature adjourns for the year. The letter calls for several critical components in that bill so counties and cities can avoid shutting down successful programs.

“Without a reliable, quicker HHAP Round 7 disbursement, many local jurisdictions will ramp down HHAP-funded services,” the letter adds, “impacting service provider staffing and disrupting each region’s rehousing systems, at a time of great budget and political uncertainty.”

Background:

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 that 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.