State of California Announces $25.8 Million in Annual Homelessness Funding for San Diego

The State of California has allocated $25,800,000 in annual homelessness funding to the City of San Diego through the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP). This marks the sixth consecutive year the City has received these funds, reflecting the State’s recognition of San Diego’s efforts in addressing homelessness. The funding supports programs that help move individuals from the streets into supportive housing and services.

Mayor Todd Gloria, who chaired the California Big City Mayors coalition in 2023 and 2024, emphasized the importance of sustained investment in homelessness solutions. He noted that the funding allows cities to continue expanding shelter capacity, conducting street outreach, and connecting people with permanent housing. San Diego has been a responsible steward of these investments, creating hundreds of shelter beds and assisting thousands in transitioning to stable housing.

HHAP funding has played a critical role in supporting the City’s homelessness response. In 2024, combined with other funding sources, City programs served over 4,200 individuals in shelters, 1,100 in the Safe Parking Program, and 700 in the Family Reunification Program. Outreach services reached 5,200 people, and nearly 2,700 individuals were connected to positive housing situations.

Although the current funding amount is less than the previous year’s, the City plans to use Round 6 funds to maintain existing programs and services. Any new initiatives will require additional City funding, which will be considered in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, set for approval in June.

The City received $29.9 million in HHAP funding last year, and residents can track how these funds are used through the HHAP Fiscal Data Dashboard. However, challenges remain in accurately measuring homelessness. Annual Point in Time Counts do not include individuals in the City’s Safe Sleeping and Safe Parking programs as sheltered, despite the services they receive. If these individuals were counted as sheltered, unsheltered homelessness in San Diego would have decreased by 9.5% compared to the previous year.

To access HHAP funds, the City must submit an application to the state. This process ensures that resources are directed toward programs that align with the State’s goals for reducing homelessness. The City continues to work toward a future where all neighbors have access to safe and stable housing, reflecting the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and uphold justice for the oppressed.

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