The San Diego region is receiving more than $58.8 million in state grants to address local homelessness, the area’s largest award yet from California’s Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program.
Yet the HHAP funds will mainly be used to continue existing services, not launch new initiatives, amid a crisis that has grown every month for more than two years.
“We’ve given our local partners the tools and resources they need — it’s time to end this crisis now,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “These new funds represent the hard work, accountability, and strategic planning needed to address homelessness with real, long-lasting results.”
Many local officials have raised concerns about the region’s reliance on outside money, especially one-time grants that can make long-term planning difficult. Lawmakers have even considered slashing HHAP to reduce the state’s budget deficit.
This fifth round of funding will be split between the city of San Diego, the county and the Regional Task Force on Homelessness.
The city gets almost $30 million, and leaders previously said the money will be used for shelter, outreach and prevention efforts, which can include rental assistance, among other aid.
The county got about $14.1 million while the task force is to receive $14.7 million. The latter pot of money will be further distributed to local cities and service organizations.
A state audit recently slammed how California has often failed to track homelessness spending.
The governor’s office said in a press release Tuesday that HHAP progress reports will be published on the state Housing and Community Development website. Cities and counties must also agree to “increased accountability, transparency, and compliance measures.”