The Governor’s Office announced the release of $1 billion in Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funds last week to aid local jurisdictions in their efforts to reduce homelessness. The announcement comes one year after Gov. Gavin Newsom suspended the funds, citing frustration with local efforts. 

“Local governments have since revised their homelessness plans, now targeting a 15 percent reduction in homelessness statewide by 2025,” the Governor’s Office stated in a news release.  

In addition to the 4th round of HHAP funding, Newsom has announced the delivery of 1,200 small homes to Los Angeles, San Diego County, San Jose and Sacramento. The dwellings will provide safe, interim housing for the homeless, with those in encampments receiving priority.

“Locations for placement of these small homes will be the responsibility of local jurisdictions. However, when needed and when available, the state will provide surplus land to use as an option for small homes,” according to the Governor’s Office. “Local governments will own the units and provide all services, including recruiting residents, leveraging previously provided state funding.”

The distribution is as follows:

• Los Angeles: 500 units
• Sacramento: 350 units
• San Jose: 200 units
• San Diego County: 150 units