Alameda County Health (AC Health) has been awarded $14 million in state funding to enhance temporary housing services aimed at addressing homelessness among individuals with behavioral health conditions.
The $14,040,909 grant is part of California’s Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) program, which has previously awarded AC Health a total of $46,782,359. With this latest allocation, Alameda County now has $60,823,268 in combined funding to be utilized by June 30, 2027.
The funds will support the expansion of temporary housing options for individuals with severe mental health needs, helping them transition into supportive housing. The county’s Behavioral Health Department (ACBHD) and Housing and Homelessness Services Program (AC Health H&H) will use the grant to enhance family and community support systems and to assist those exiting the criminal justice system.
AC Health H&H Director Jonathan Russell expressed gratitude for the support from Governor Gavin Newsom and the state, emphasizing the importance of the funding in the effort to combat unsheltered homelessness. “This funding will significantly expand our ability to serve individuals with behavioral health needs,” Russell said.
Recent data shows that Alameda County has approximately 9,450 homeless individuals, marking a 3% decrease from 2022. However, over two-thirds of this population is unsheltered.
In July, Governor Newsom called for increased enforcement actions against homeless encampments, a move that some advocates worry might lead to reduced focus on providing safe housing alternatives. California, home to nearly 30% of the nation’s homeless population, faces ongoing challenges in addressing this crisis.
Additionally, AC Health plans to allocate part of the funding to support the implementation of the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court program, mandated by the state. This program allows courts to mandate treatment for individuals with severe mental illness, including those who are homeless and unable to seek care voluntarily. The CARE Court initiative has faced criticism from some civil rights groups concerned about potential infringements on personal choice.
The funding will also support the Coordinated Entry system, which connects unhoused individuals with appropriate resources, and will enhance family services, rehabilitate temporary housing, and improve outreach efforts.
James Wagner, Deputy Director of Clinical Operations for ACBHD, highlighted that the grant will help bridge the gap for CARE Court participants facing homelessness and severe mental health challenges. Russell added, “Our goal is to move individuals off the streets and into safe, dignified housing, ensuring prompt access during critical transitions and strengthening both formal and informal support systems.”
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