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 new projects helping expand mental health care capacity and treatment statewide
May 5, 2026
News What you need to know: As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, California remains committed to its transformation of the behavioral health care system, highlighting new projects opening and on the way to help create more beds and treatment to get people the care...
Governor Newsom announces 180+ affordable homes in Los Angeles, more planned for San Francisco
May 1, 2026
News Creating more sustainable communities through Cap-and-Invest fundsWhat you need to know: Funded through Cap-and-Invest, California is announcing more than 180 new affordable homes opening in Santa Monica and a milestone for more affordable units in San Francisco,...
Governor Newsom announces $145.4 million in HHAP funding to help eight California regions reduce homelessness
Apr 8, 2026
News What you need to know: After the first drop in statewide unsheltered homelessness in 15 years, Governor Newsom continues to advance effective programs to help local communities reduce homelessness. Eight regions throughout the state received $145.4 million in...