Governor Gavin Newsom today announced $109.6 million in Proposition 1 funding for 278 new permanent supportive homes across Bakersfield, Contra Costa County, Fresno, and Sacramento. This investment, delivered through Homekey+ awards, includes 103 homes specifically reserved for veterans, expanding critical housing and behavioral health services for Californians experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
"Every Californian deserves a safe place to call home, particularly the veterans who bravely served our country," said Governor Gavin Newsom. He added that these Homekey+ investments fulfill the promise of Proposition 1 by creating supportive housing, connecting people to care, and helping veterans and other Californians achieve stability. This initiative is part of the administration's broader strategy to tackle California's housing affordability and homelessness crisis.
California Housing and Homelessness Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss emphasized the direct impact of these funds, stating, "Investments through Homekey+ aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. Today’s awards will directly lead to the development of hundreds of affordable homes for California’s veterans and those experiencing behavioral health challenges." To date, Homekey+ has allocated $968.4 million to support 54 projects, creating 2,749 affordable homes statewide, with 723 designated for veterans.
CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin highlighted the significance for veterans, noting, "With more than 700 veteran-designated homes now supported through this program, these investments represent more than new housing. They represent renewed opportunity, stability, and dignity for those who served our nation." The new projects include 100 homes in Sacramento, with 49 for veterans; 82 units in Contra Costa County, with 30 for veterans; 84 permanent supportive homes in Fresno, reserving nine for veterans; and 30 homes in Bakersfield, with 15 for veterans.
HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez expressed enthusiasm for the veteran-focused projects, stating, "We are thrilled to see every project awarded today include homes reserved for our state’s military veterans, who are disproportionately impacted by homelessness after their service." Proposition 1, a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond, aims to transform California's behavioral health system, expecting to add over 6,900 residential treatment beds and 27,500 outpatient treatment slots. These efforts contribute to California's reported reduction of unsheltered homelessness by 8,391 people, or 6.8%, the largest statewide reduction in 16 years.