San Diego is set to receive approximately $25.8 million in state funding through the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP), as announced by Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday. This significant financial support looks to bolster programs and housing initiatives focused on helping individuals experiencing homelessness in the city.
Before the funding can be utilized, the San Diego City Council must approve the city’s application for these funds. If granted, this will mark the sixth consecutive year San Diego has received HHAP funds, which are critical for the city’s ongoing efforts to tackle homelessness. Mayor Todd Gloria responded to the announcement:
This funding reaffirms California’s commitment to reducing homelessness. Thanks to Governor Newsom and the State Legislature, cities continue expanding shelter capacity, street outreach, and getting people on the path to permanent housing.
Mayor Gloria highlighted that San Diego has effectively utilized previous HHAP investments, resulting in the creation of hundreds of shelter beds and helping thousands of residents secure housing. “Sustained investment makes a real difference,” he emphasized.
In the previous year, the city’s HHAP and internally funded programs supported over 4,200 individuals in shelters, with an additional 1,100 utilizing the Safe Parking Program and 700 through the Family Reunification Program. Outreach services reached 5,200 people, and nearly 2,700 individuals successfully transitioned into permanent housing.
While the new funding amount is lower than the $29.9 million received in 2024, Mayor Gloria assured that these resources would sustain existing programs. New initiatives will be considered in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
The city plans to collaborate with the County of San Diego and the Regional Task Force on Homelessness to submit joint applications for separate funding sources. Sarah Jarman, director of San Diego’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department said:
Our homelessness response system wouldn’t be as robust as it is without this critical funding. The HHAP program reinforces the commitment this city has made to continue offering life-changing services for thousands of San Diegans.
Governor Newsom’s announcement also included new accountability measures for communities receiving state funds to address homelessness, to see that information visit the website Accountability.ca.gov.
