As homelessness continues to plague California’s largest cities, former lawmakers and current mayors are raising alarms about the possible loss of critical funding for programs aimed at tackling the crisis.
The state’s proposed budget has raised concerns among the members of the Big City Mayors coalition, comprised of leaders from California’s most populous urban areas.
The mayors emphasize the importance of the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention Grant Program (HHAP), stating that previous investments have resulted in significant progress in addressing homelessness and its associated social challenges.
The mayors’ plea for continued funding highlights the pressing nature of homelessness in California, an issue stemming from years of underinvestment and inadequate housing supply.
In their recent statement, they noted that state support through HHAP has been instrumental in assisting cities to reduce homelessness and facilitate the transition of unhoused individuals into permanent housing.
Recent statistics from San Diego show a remarkable 14% decline in homelessness as of January, while Sacramento reported a more substantial decrease of 29% over the past two years.
This progress, they argue, could be jeopardized without state funding in the upcoming budget, which does not currently allocate another round of support for HHAP.
The need for funding is underscored by the vast numbers achieved since the inception of HHAP in 2019.
California’s 13 largest cities have utilized funds from this program to create approximately 17,691 shelter beds and to connect over 152,000 people to shelter services.
Additionally, the program has enabled the construction of 2,295 permanent housing units and has successfully placed 42,215 Californians into various housing solutions.
Municipalities like Sacramento and San Diego have leveraged HHAP resources to enhance their homelessness response efforts.
In Sacramento, funding has supported over 1,300 emergency shelter units and numerous permanent supportive housing developments.
Meanwhile, San Diego has managed to double its citywide shelter capacity and invest in new interventions, such as the Safe Parking Program for those living in their vehicles.
The mayors assert that the costs of leaving individuals on the streets significantly outweigh the investments needed to house them.
Emergency services, police, and fire departments find themselves dealing with the repercussions of homelessness, ultimately leading to increased financial burdens on taxpayers and local businesses.
Acknowledging accountability in spending is crucial, and the mayors stress that continued oversight will ensure HHAP funds are utilized effectively.
Reports from the Big City Mayors coalition show that past investments have produced measurable results, reinforcing the argument for continued funding.
As pressure mounts on California amid federal reluctance to address homelessness, the mayors call for the state to take decisive action.
They emphasize that the human impact of inaction is profound, as many vulnerable groups—including veterans, families, children, and individuals with disabilities—are directly affected daily.
The mayors passionately advocate for a fully funded HHAP, proposing an investment of $1 billion, which they argue is feasible given the state’s general fund size exceeding $225 billion.
They insist that the challenge posed by homelessness, while significant, is not beyond resolution, provided that the commitment to ongoing funding remains strong.
With further support, these leaders believe that solutions can continue to be developed, making homelessness in California less common and allowing for swift interventions that prevent recurring issues.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2025-06-09/california-gavin-newsom-budget-homelessness-san-diego-sacramento-hhap
