County Accepts $12M State Grant Backing Homelessness Programs

SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Tuesday accepted a $12 million state grant to support county programs aimed at providing housing and support for people who are currently or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

The latest round of Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention funds will back county programs that offer emergency housing, supportive services and resources to aid in transitioning to permanent housing.

Among the programs backed by the new funding are the Regional Homeless Assistance Program, which helps individuals and families in the county's unincorporated areas. Local participating hotels are utilized for emergency housing, with up to 250 households served nightly. More than 2,700 people have received emergency housing through the program since 2020, with 40% moving on to permanent housing, county officials said.

The Local Rental Subsidy Program provides rental subsidies and housing stabilization services for people looking to transition to permanent housing. Over 100 households in the county's unincorporated areas are being served currently, according to the county.

The Housing Our Youth program serves local youths between the ages of 18 and 24 and has connected more than 400 young people with housing and support services since 2023, the county said.

Remaining funds will go to data, program administration and other housing stabilization services.

Officials said $52 million in Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention funds have been accepted by the county since 2020.

"These funds have been a lifeline for San Diegans, helping people take their first step toward stabilization and permanent housing," said Dijana Beck, the director of the county Office of Homeless Solutions.

— City News Service