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 fast-tracks 1,700 new affordable housing units
Aug 11, 2026
News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a nearly $239 million investment to quickly bring 20 shovel-ready affordable rental housing developments with 1,700 homes to California residents. SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a...
Governor Newsom’s mental health reform continues to deliver, announcing 15 new projects expanding care across the state
Aug 11, 2026
News What you need to know: Delivering on the Governor’s approach to create more treatment and fix a behavioral health system suffering from decades of neglect, the state is continuing its landmark transformation to better serve Californians. Governor Newsom...
Governor Newsom expands statewide partnerships with additional cities to clean up encampments on highways
Jul 28, 2026
News New agreements announced with Ontario, San Bernardino, and San Diego What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom continues to work with local communities across California to improve public safety and clean up homeless encampments along highways. The state's new...