STOCKTON, Calif. — In a critical move to address the escalating homelessness crisis, the City of Stockton is gearing up to secure a significant portion of funding from California's $1 billion earmarked to combat homelessness. This Tuesday, city officials will take a decisive step by voting on measures aimed at bolstering efforts to assist the unhoused population within Stockton and the broader San Joaquin County region.
The potential funding comes from the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program, which is in its fifth round of funding allocations. Stockton, in collaboration with regional partners including San Joaquin County and the San Joaquin Continuum of Care, is vying for approximately $14 million of the available funds. This collaborative effort involves the creation and endorsement of a comprehensive regional homeless action plan.
Key motions up for vote at Tuesday's city council meeting include the acceptance and approval of the regional homeless action plan, the authorization for the city manager to execute a memorandum of understanding with the county and the San Joaquin Continuum of Care, and the empowerment of the city manager or a designated representative to take necessary actions to implement the plan.
The urgency of these efforts is underscored by the looming application deadline for the HHAP grant program, set for March 27. This deadline adds pressure to the collaborative process, requiring all involved parties to finalize and submit their documentation in a timely manner.
Should the grant application succeed, the San Joaquin County area is poised to receive about $14 million to address various homelessness challenges. Of this, Stockton is expected to receive approximately $7 million, a substantial injection of funds that city officials hope will make a significant impact on the lives of the unhoused in the community.
This initiative represents a hopeful stride towards mitigating the homelessness crisis in Stockton and the surrounding area, showcasing a committed regional effort to secure the necessary resources to provide housing, assistance, and prevention services to those in need. As the city and its partners await the outcome of their grant application, the community watches with anticipation, hopeful for positive changes in the battle against homelessness.