The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced the first round of award funds totaling $53.3 million from the California Emergency Solutions and Housing (CESH) program. CESH is a state program providing funds for a variety of activities to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Authorized by SB 850 (Chapter 48, Statues of 2018), the CESH program is administered by HCD with funding from the Building Homes and Jobs Act Trust Fund (SB 2, Chapter 364, Statutes of 2017) and all remaining California Emergency Solutions Grant funds.

While most are safe and comfortable in safe homes, nearly 130,000 Californians are sleeping in parks, under bridges, or in their cars. California has responded with an infusion of funding to help cities and counties address the needs of those across California who do not have a permanent and safe place to call home.

“We have a long way to go to address the housing needs of Californians who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness,” says HCD Director Ben Metcalf. “We have made and will continue to make authorized resources available for that purpose, and we are excited to be taking this step toward ending homelessness in California.”

CESH program funds have been awarded to applicants and Continuums of Care — regional or local planning bodies that coordinate housing and services funding for homeless families and individuals — to help Californians through rental assistance, housing relocation, stabilization services, outreach services, and more. There are 43 Continuums of Care representing every county in California and all are receiving funds.

The second and final round of CESH funding is anticipated to be available in Spring 2019 for the State to provide essential resources to help homeless families and individuals.

California Emergency Solutions and Housing Program Funding Awards

Round One, $53.3 Million Awarded, January 11, 2019