As California continues to address its homelessness crisis, San Joaquin County has been awarded nearly $30 million in state funding to create housing for residents in need. The funding comes through the California Department of Health Care Services’ Behavioral Health Bridge Housing grant program, which aims to support housing for people experiencing homelessness and serious mental health issues.
In late July, the county received $15 million from the program, building on the $14.3 million awarded last year for transitional housing. The funds will be used to add approximately 67 beds to the county’s continuum of care for individuals with mental health conditions who may also struggle with substance use disorders and are at risk of or currently homeless.
San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors chair Miguel Villapudua praised the efforts of the county’s Behavioral Health Services in securing the grants. “We could not be more proud of Behavioral Health Services’ continued efforts to pursue funding opportunities that creatively combat this pervasive situation,” Villapudua said.
The county plans to use the new grant to renovate an existing structure, although a property has not yet been acquired. The project must be completed by 2027 to comply with the grant’s requirements. In addition to expanding housing, the county will use the remaining funds to enhance services for an additional 300 people per year, in partnership with Central Valley Low Income Housing Corporation and the County’s Whole Person Care team.
Last year’s $14.3 million grant is already being utilized, with funds directed toward the purchase and renovation of Satellite Apartments, a 30-unit complex that will become permanent supportive housing for individuals ordered into treatment through the county’s upcoming CARE Courts program. The renovation will add another 24 units, with completion expected in 18 to 24 months.
San Joaquin County is set to launch its new judicial division for mental health cases in December, aligning with similar efforts across the state. The remaining funds from the previous grant are being used for homeless outreach, rental assistance, and other essential services.
In recent years, the county’s Behavioral Health and Housing Authority have collaborated on several projects to address homelessness, including the 49-unit Victory Gardens for homeless veterans and the 37-unit Sonora Square for those experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. Another project, the 50-bed Park Center Apartments, broke ground earlier this year and is expected to further aid in the county's efforts to curb homelessness.
