El Dorado County (May 26, 2024) – In a move sparking concern across California, Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed substantial budget cuts to vital homelessness, housing, mental health, and drug diversion programs. The most significant of these proposed reductions targets the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, a key initiative aimed at providing temporary housing for homeless individuals with serious mental illness or substance use disorders.
A Crisis in the Making
The BHBH Program, launched in 2022, has been a lifeline for many Californians. It was designed to be a cornerstone of Newsom’s new CARE Court system, which mandates mental health treatment for the most vulnerable. However, the governor’s proposal to cut $132.5 million from the program in the coming fiscal year and an additional $207.5 million the following year threatens to undermine these efforts significantly.
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) has been actively partnering with county behavioral health agencies to implement the BHBH Program. These partnerships have facilitated the creation of various bridge housing settings, including tiny homes, interim housing, rental assistance models, and assisted living settings, all crucial for the stability and recovery of program participants.
Impact on County Programs
Counties like El Dorado have already seen substantial funding allocated to various support services under the BHBH Program. For instance, in 2023, El Dorado County received funding for outreach and engagement ($80,000), rental assistance ($924,836), housing navigation ($1,928,275), and more. These funds are essential for maintaining housing stability and supporting participants’ wellness and recovery.
However, with the looming cuts, counties are bracing for the impact. Jim Diel of El Dorado County Behavioral Health expressed deep concern about the future of these essential services. “These programs are not just numbers in a budget—they are lifelines for our most vulnerable residents,” Diel said.
Broader Implications for Homelessness and Housing
Governor Newsom’s budget proposal also includes a $260-million reduction in the next round of Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) funding. This reduction, coupled with the absence of new HHAP funding, has sparked outcry from city and county leaders who rely on these funds to combat homelessness. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria warned that such cuts could exacerbate California’s homelessness crisis, pushing more people onto the streets.
The cuts also extend to the state’s Multifamily Housing Program, with an additional $75 million slated for elimination, compounding the $250 million already proposed in January. This reduction could stall the development of affordable housing units, leaving an estimated 46,605 homes on hold due to a lack of public funding.
The Path Forward
The proposed budget cuts come as California faces a significant budget deficit, estimated between $27.6 billion and $73 billion. While some, like California State Association of Counties CEO Graham Knaus, recognize the need for tough fiscal decisions, the potential human cost of these cuts cannot be overlooked.
“The decision to not invest in another round of HHAP funding poses a devastating threat to homelessness programs statewide and puts at risk the health and safety of thousands of unhoused residents,” said Carolyn Coleman, CEO of Cal Cities.
As the state moves towards finalizing its budget by the June 15 deadline, the debate over these cuts is likely to intensify. Stakeholders from across the state are urging Governor Newsom and the Legislature to reconsider these reductions, emphasizing the critical role these programs play in addressing California’s homelessness and behavioral health crises.
Conclusion
The proposed cuts to California’s Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program and other related initiatives present a challenging dilemma. Balancing the state’s budget is necessary, but the potential impact on the most vulnerable populations raises serious ethical and practical concerns. As negotiations continue, the hope is that a solution can be found that addresses the fiscal realities while maintaining support for those who need it most.
For more detailed information on the impact of these cuts and the ongoing budget negotiations, please refer to the California Department of Health Care Services and related county agencies.
El Dorado County Funding for Services Provided in 2023:
Outreach and Engagement = $80,000;
Rental Assistance = $924,836;
Start-up Infrastructure = null;
Housing Navigation = $1,928,275;
Auxiliary Funding = $228,000;
Shelter/Interim Housing = $114,700.
Sources:
- CalMatters: CARE Court and Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program
- California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS): Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program
- Sacramento Bee: Statements from city and county leaders on HHAP funding cuts
