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-Editorial
In a significant move to address the pressing issue of homelessness, Imperial County will receive $3.67 million from the State of California as part of a statewide initiative aimed at creating sustainable, long-term solutions. Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the allocation of over $827 million in state funds, which will be distributed across 37 regions, encompassing more than 100 local communities and organizations. This substantial financial support falls under California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program, a cornerstone of the state’s broader strategy to reduce homelessness through impactful local actions.
This allocation is part of California’s unprecedented $40 billion investment in housing and $27 billion commitment to prevent and end homelessness. The HHAP program has been instrumental in helping communities create permanent housing solutions, provide rental assistance, offer case management services, and support other crucial needs for those experiencing homelessness. The recent $827 million disbursement marks the first round of HHAP funding since the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) assumed administrative control from the California Interagency Council on Homelessness in July 2024.
Governor Newsom highlighted the urgency of ending homelessness through local partnerships, stating, “Our unprecedented commitment to end homelessness can only be realized at the local level when everyone does their part to address this crisis on the streets. We’ve given our local partners the tools and resources they need — it’s time to end this crisis now.” He emphasized the state’s focus on accountability and strategic planning to ensure that every dollar spent generates lasting results.
To ensure that this funding achieves measurable outcomes, the HHAP program requires grantees to adopt stringent accountability and compliance measures. These include regular progress reports and data tracking on the use of funds and their impacts. Monthly fiscal reports will be available on the HCD website through a live HHAP fiscal dashboard, while quarterly program outcomes will be integrated into the California Homeless Data Integration System, allowing stakeholders to closely monitor progress. This transparency aims to protect state funds while holding recipients accountable for results.
Under this model, cities, counties, and Continuums of Care are expected to work closely together, coordinating their homeless action plans to cover the entire region rather than treating homelessness as a strictly local issue. This collaborative requirement is designed to promote cohesive solutions, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively and comprehensively.
Gustavo Velasquez, Director of the HCD, emphasized the importance of this approach, stating, “Our HCD team is honored to take on this expanded role in identifying and supporting effective regional solutions for Californians struggling with unsheltered homelessness. Not only will this funding provide additional resources, but with the leadership of the Legislature and the administration, this program also ensures that every dollar spent delivers meaningful outcomes, with a clear focus on reducing homelessness to create lasting change.”
The latest round of HHAP funding promotes a commitment to permanent housing over temporary shelters and prioritizes addressing racial inequities in homelessness. It also calls for involving people with lived experience of homelessness in program development to ensure the initiatives are grounded in the realities faced by vulnerable populations. By placing a high priority on permanent solutions and inclusivity, the program aims to help transition individuals and families into stable, affordable housing where they can sustain long-term residency.
In conjunction with HHAP, the state has recently taken steps to address homeless encampments. Governor Newsom’s executive order directed local governments to adopt encampment resolution policies aligned with those of the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans). This policy includes advance notice of encampment clearances and provision of support for individuals residing in encampments. Earlier this month, an additional $131 million from the state’s Encampment Resolution Fund was made available to help address these encampments, enhancing support for local authorities in resolving encampment-related issues.
The HHAP funding complements other local, state, and federal resources, allowing Imperial County to strategically combine funds from various sources to achieve maximum impact. Programs like the state’s Homekey initiative will further supplement this effort, adding more housing options for individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
Tomiquia Moss, Secretary of Business, Consumer Services, and Housing, reflected on the potential impact of HHAP Round 5, saying, “The accountability in this round of funding ensures we are empowering local partners to design local solutions to prevent and end homelessness and produce measurable results. By working together to address the unique needs in their communities we get that much closer to reducing unsheltered homelessness across the State.”
