SLO County just got more than $4 million to fund homelessness solutions. What could it go to?
San Luis Obispo County was the latest beneficiary of the fifth round of Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention funding distributions from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
According to a news release from the San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Division, the county received $4.32 million in funding to create solutions for homelessness, with most funds going to housing and supportive services.
“Homelessness remains one of the most pressing issues in our community, and these funds are crucial in helping us develop meaningful, lasting solutions,” San Luis Obispo County Adult and Homeless Services Branch deputy director Linda Belch said in the release. “The HHAP program is a demonstration of the collaborative relationship we share with our state partners, allowing us to take significant steps in reducing homelessness and improving the lives of our community members.”
The new funds will sustain existing initiatives aimed at long-term housing stability and supportive services, according to the release.
Previously, the county used HHAP funding to support emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing, prevention and diversion programs and specialized services for transitional-age youth and justice-involved individuals, according to the release.
While the funding doesn’t have a specific destination yet, the county will release a request for proposals to evaluate which programs can best utilize the new funding in early 2025, according to the release.
Since being introduced in 2019, HHAP has distributed more than $837 million to 37 regions across California, according to the release.
