Several Orange County cities were awarded a total of $35.1 million in state funds Wednesday as part of a series of disbursements aimed at preventing and addressing homelessness.
The money, announced by the governor’s office, was awarded to Orange County, along with the cities of Anaheim, Irvine and Santa Ana, along with the Santa Ana, Anaheim/Orange Continuum of Care area.
The funds are part of $145.4 million in Homelessness Housing, Assistance and Prevention program dollars that were distributed to eight areas around the state.
“We’re making critical investments through programs to help local communities expand housing, strengthen services, and better support people experiencing homelessness,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement announcing the funds. “But just investing money is not enough — we have to invest in programs and local governments that are producing real results.”
According to Newsom’s office, the Orange County funding will be used for “rapid rehousing” efforts such as rental assistance, security deposits, holding fees and move-in expenses. Funds will also support a 325-bed shelter, a 20-unit “non-congregate shelter,” and the Santa Ana Navigation Center.
Funding will also be used for supportive services, case management, housing counseling, prevention and diversion programs and the creation of nine affordable housing units for youth.
State officials said the HHAP program has already helped move more than 100,000 homeless Californians into permanent housing.