California, January 17, 2026
Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a strategic initiative to tackle homelessness in California, backed by over $419 million in funding directed at San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. This substantial investment aims to bolster shelter capacity and supportive services, while ensuring accountability in the usage of these resources. The initiative emphasizes transparency with a new online tool to help the public monitor progress in combating homelessness.
San Diego, CA – Governor Newsom Announces New Investments to Address Homelessness
Governor Gavin Newsom has unveiled a new initiative to combat homelessness in California, following a 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness statewide. The plan includes over $419 million in funding for San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego to enhance shelter capacity and supportive services, with a strong emphasis on accountability measures to ensure effective use of resources.
Details of the New Initiative
The initiative allocates funds as follows:
- San Francisco: $39.9 million to sustain operations and services for two semi-congregate shelters and three navigation centers, serving over 600 adults and 75 youth nightly, with additional support for the San Francisco Online Navigation and Entry System.
- Los Angeles County, City of Los Angeles, and City of Long Beach: $328.8 million to fund operations and services for interim housing (including for youth), services in permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing and time-limited subsidies, and encampment resolution efforts.
- San Diego County and City of San Diego: $50.9 million to fund existing emergency shelters and expand emergency shelter capacity—including through hotel/motel vouchers—in addition to significant investments in permanent housing solutions (rental subsidies, flexible housing resources, extended rapid rehousing, and prevention/diversion).
These allocations are part of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, which aims to provide local communities with the resources needed to end homelessness through supportive services and housing solutions.
Enhanced Accountability Measures
The initiative introduces stronger accountability measures, including requirements that grantees have and maintain a compliant housing element and mechanisms to reclaim funding from local governments that fail to demonstrate progress. A new online tool, accountability.ca.gov, has been launched to allow the public to track their community’s progress on housing, homelessness, and behavioral health.
Background Context
California has been actively addressing homelessness through various programs and funding initiatives. The recent 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness marks the first decline in over 15 years, indicating progress in the state’s efforts. Previous investments include nearly $5 billion appropriated through current and previous rounds of HHAP to support local jurisdictions in promoting housing stability and reducing homelessness. Additionally, the state has launched the Homekey program, creating nearly 16,000 homes across 250 projects, and invested $2.25 billion through Homekey+ to serve individuals with mental health or substance use challenges and veterans.
Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of these investments, stating that the state is committed to delivering critical resources to jurisdictions working to solve homelessness through innovative solutions and proven best practices. The new funding and accountability measures aim to build on the progress made and ensure that resources are used effectively to address the homelessness crisis in California.
Key Features of the Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Funding Allocation | Over $419 million allocated to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego to enhance shelter capacity and supportive services. |
| Enhanced Accountability | Introduction of stronger accountability measures, including requirements for grantees to maintain a compliant housing element and mechanisms to reclaim funding from local governments that fail to demonstrate progress. |
| Online Tracking Tool | Launch of accountability.ca.gov, an online tool that allows the public to track their community’s progress on housing, homelessness, and behavioral health. |
| Background Progress | Recent 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness statewide, marking the first decline in over 15 years, indicating progress in the state’s efforts to address homelessness. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the new initiative announced by Governor Newsom?
The initiative is a new plan to combat homelessness in California, following a 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness statewide. It includes over $419 million in funding for San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego to enhance shelter capacity and supportive services, with a strong emphasis on accountability measures to ensure effective use of resources.
How is the funding allocated among the cities?
The funding is allocated as follows:
- San Francisco: $39.9 million to sustain operations and services for two semi-congregate shelters and three navigation centers, serving over 600 adults and 75 youth nightly, with additional support for the San Francisco Online Navigation and Entry System.
- Los Angeles County, City of Los Angeles, and City of Long Beach: $328.8 million to fund operations and services for interim housing (including for youth), services in permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing and time-limited subsidies, and encampment resolution efforts.
- San Diego County and City of San Diego: $50.9 million to fund existing emergency shelters and expand emergency shelter capacity—including through hotel/motel vouchers—in addition to significant investments in permanent housing solutions (rental subsidies, flexible housing resources, extended rapid rehousing, and prevention/diversion).
What are the enhanced accountability measures introduced?
The initiative introduces stronger accountability measures, including requirements that grantees have and maintain a compliant housing element and mechanisms to reclaim funding from local governments that fail to demonstrate progress. A new online tool, accountability.ca.gov, has been launched to allow the public to track their community’s progress on housing, homelessness, and behavioral health.
What is the background context of this initiative?
California has been actively addressing homelessness through various programs and funding initiatives. The recent 9% reduction in unsheltered homelessness marks the first decline in over 15 years, indicating progress in the state’s efforts. Previous investments include nearly $5 billion appropriated through current and previous rounds of HHAP to support local jurisdictions in promoting housing stability and reducing homelessness. Additionally, the state has launched the Homekey program, creating nearly 16,000 homes across 250 projects, and invested $2.25 billion through Homekey+ to serve individuals with mental health or substance use challenges and veterans.
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