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 announces proposed budget that refills the state’s “Rainy Day Fund,” protects previous accomplishments, and makes historic investments in education
Jan 9, 2026
News Putting money in state reserves — to total $23 billion Funding new reproductive health grants to fight Trump's war on women Accountability, fraud, and waste prevention What you need to know: Governor Newsom’s 2026-27 budget proposal reflects a balanced yet...
El Gobernador Newsom presenta su último discurso sobre el Estado del Estado, honrando al pasado de California y reafirmando un futuro más brillante para todos
Jan 8, 2026
News SACRAMENTO — Hoy, el Gobernador Gavin Newsom presentó su último discurso sobre el Estado del Estado ante una sesión conjunta de la legislatura estatal. En sus comentarios, reafirmó el papel de California como referente nacional de la democracia, motor económico...
California sees drop in unsheltered homelessness, bucking national trend and federal headwinds
Jan 8, 2026
News What you need to know: California’s homelessness plummeted in 2025 — with the largest drop in 15 years — according to preliminary data, due to Governor Newsom’s strategies to reduce homelessness, address encampments, and create shelter and support. Data from...