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
California and federal government secure $3 million in refunds for mortgage fraud victims
Jun 9, 2026
News What you need to know: California and the Federal Trade Commission today announced that consumers previously defrauded as part of a mortgage assistance scam will receive refunds as a result of a California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation...
Trump data confirms that Governor Newsom’s strategies have led to the largest reduction in homelessness nationwide
Jun 4, 2026
News California #1 for reducing veterans' homelessness California #1 for reducing homeless individuals California #1 for reducing homelessness for the chronically homeless What you need to know: California’s leadership in reversing the homelessness crisis continues...
NIMBYs be warned: Court orders Huntington Beach to pay up for repeated violations of housing law
May 15, 2026
News What you need to know: A California superior court today ordered the city of Huntington Beach to pay penalties amounting to $160,000 and an additional $50,000 per month beginning in June for the city’s failure to comply with state housing law. SACRAMENTO — The...