The State of California has earmarked a significant $25.8 million for San Diego's ongoing efforts to combat homelessness, as announced by Governor Gavin Newsom. This sum will fuel the tactics employed by the City's Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department (HSSD) to transition the homeless population into supportive housing programs, marking the sixth consecutive year that San Diego has received such funds.
In the past, Mayor Todd Gloria, who led the California Big City Mayors coalition in 2023 and 2024, stood at the forefront, championing continued financial aid from the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Program (HHAP). Despite the new allocation being less than the $29.9 million granted last year, Mayor Gloria remains optimistic, "This funding reaffirms California's commitment to reducing homelessness," he said, according to a report by the City of San Diego. Gloria added, "Thanks to Governor Newsom and the State Legislature, cities continue expanding shelter capacity, street outreach, and getting people on the path to permanent housing."
The infusion of state funds has been vital in upholding San Diego's shelter programs and outreach initiatives. Last year's HHAP resources, combined with other funding channels, supported programs that served over 4,200 individuals in shelters, 1,100 in the Safe Parking Program, and 700 through the Family Reunification Program while facilitating outreach services for an additional 5,200 individuals.
Despite the decrease in funding, Sarah Jarman, Director of HSSD, remains confident in the city's approach. "Our homelessness response system wouldn't be as robust as it is without this critical funding," Jarman articulated to the City of San Diego. Jarman insists that the latest HHAP funds underscore the city's dedicated persistence in providing transformative services to countless San Diegans.
