Gov. Newsom makes $240 million available to aid in homeless housing

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION-TV)- In an effort to help with California's homeless crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom has made the first part of a $700 million two-year plan available.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the availability of $240 million from the Encampment Resolution Fund grant program. This will clean up encampments and help people into housing and shelters.

“California is leading the way on homelessness solutions,” said Governor Newsom. “We have made unprecedented progress since 2019, building over 12,000 new homeless housing units through Homekey, and sheltering more than 60,000 people through Project Roomkey. Today, $240 million is up for grabs to make our streets cleaner and safer, and to clean up encampments and get people into housing and shelter.”

$150 million will be used to prioritize projects serving people living in encampments on state rights-of-way, like highways, bridges, and other infrastructure.

Cities, counties, and continuums of care can submit funding applications. Plans require a "detailed service delivery plan that demonstrates a clear pathway to housing for individuals residing in encampment while addressing their immediate health and safety needs," according to the Office of the Governor.