California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that his administration will make $3.3 billion available ahead of schedule to build more behavioral health treatment centers.
The funding is part of a ballot measure passed by voters in March, authorizing the state to borrow nearly $6.4 billion for building 4,350 housing units and addressing homelessness.
The big picture: Counties and private developers can apply for the funding in July.
- The aim is to address the growing homelessness crisis in California and fund housing and drug use programs.
- The funding could be used for short-term crisis facilities, addiction programs, outpatient services, and locked treatment beds.
- Projects will be evaluated based on gaps in local services, and the state will approve proposals in the fall.
Driving the news: California has a significant homeless population, with around 171,000 individuals in need of housing.
- The state currently has 5,500 behavioral health beds but requires an additional 8,000 units to treat mental health and addiction issues.
- Some social providers and county officials have expressed concerns about the new funding structure and potential impacts on non-housing or drug treatment programs.
- The state also plans to make bond funding for housing available by the end of the year, totaling nearly $2 billion.
