Priorities

Housing & homelessness

Here’s how we are tackling homelessness and building more housing.

Holding cities and counties accountable

Governor Newsom has transformed California’s approach to housing and homelessness. His Administration has directed billions to address these issues. But with more resources comes greater accountability at the local level. New regional plans now direct communities to commit to solutions that reduce homelessness. The administration also launched the Housing and Homeless Accountability Unit. This ensures communities follow the law and do their part in addressing local issues.

Getting and keeping more people in housing

Programs like Roomkey and Homekey have helped tens of thousands of Californians experiencing or at risk of homelessness find housing. These programs rapidly turned hotels, motels, and other existing properties into housing. The administration is also clearing dangerous encampments while offering a path home. 

Building more housing, faster

The Governor has sped up housing development by cutting red tape, streamlining approvals, and investing over $40 billion. The Governor has worked with the legislature to create more access to housing by opening excess state land for housing development, strengthening renter and eviction protections, and creating rent caps.

Combining housing and services 

The Governor is leading a landmark effort to modernize mental health by better connecting housing with services and behavioral health support through:

  • CARE Courts, aimed at helping the thousands of Californians who are suffering from untreated mental health and substance use disorders get the help they need, including housing.
  • Implementation of Proposition 1, a voter-approved effort to expand housing interventions and increase the behavioral health workforce

News about housing and homelessness

Governor Newsom walks down stairs outside of an apartment complex with a man.