Governor Gavin Newsom announced nearly $38.2 million in funding to support California Native American communities in addressing housing and homelessness. This investment aims to provide culturally responsive interventions, permanent housing solutions, and youth interventions tailored to the unique needs of tribal communities.
The funding includes $28.5 million distributed to sixty-eight federally recognized tribes through Round 4 of the California Department of Housing and Community Development's (HCD) Tribal Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (Tribal HHAP). An additional $9.7 million was awarded to the Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria for the Kashia Windsor Housing Project under the new Tribal Homekey+ Program, funded by Proposition 1, to create 22 affordable rental homes.
Governor Newsom emphasized the state's commitment, saying, "California is strengthening its partnership with tribal governments through programs and initiatives rooted in dignity, self-determination, and stability. Tribal communities know their people, their histories, and their challenges best." He added that this approach respects tribal sovereignty while addressing historic inequities and supporting efforts to reduce homelessness.
Chairwoman Angela Elliott-Santos of the Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation expressed gratitude, stating, "Through this funding, the Tribe will be able to provide safe, culturally supportive interim shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness." Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss highlighted that Tribal HHAP and Tribal Homekey+ "strengthen tribal communities by removing long-standing barriers and honoring their sovereign, community-driven approaches to housing."
Since 2019, California has made 174 awards totaling nearly $330.3 million to tribal governments through HCD programs. Tribal HHAP alone has served over 3,325 people, created or renovated 319 permanent housing units, and invested in interventions for over 758 youth experiencing homelessness. HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez noted the programs' flexibility in addressing unique tribal needs. These efforts contribute to a broader statewide strategy that saw California's unsheltered homelessness decrease by 9.5% last year, reversing a long-standing crisis.