CALIFORNIA, USA — Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bipartisan package Thursday that aims to streamline housing in California and address homelessness.
"No more excuses. California is taking action to fix the decades-long homelessness, housing, and mental health crises. These new laws — paired with the state's unprecedented resources — will deliver more housing, get people off the streets, and provide life-changing support that will benefit all Californians," Newsom said.
Generally, the new laws come with plan mandates for housing extremely vulnerable residents, increased accountability for local governments, and strengthened penalties and enforcement.
In addition to the laws, Newsom announced the launch of HomeKey+. He released guidance for up to $2.2 billion in funding for permanent supportive housing for veterans and others with mental health or substance use disorders who are at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. It's funding that comes through the voter-passed Prop 1 in May.
HomeKey+ emphasizes acquiring and rehabbing existing buildings that can be quickly turned into permanent affordable housing.
Applications for the program go live in November and funding will be distributed in May 2025.
Officials said Prop 1 funding for HomeKey+ creates more than 4,000 new permanent housing units, dedicates housing for veterans and builds housing faster with the HomeKey conversion model.
