Gov. Gavin Newsom on Oct. 29 announced that the California Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council has released the application for $50 million in funding for the new Encampment Resolution Grant program.

The funds will be available on a competitive basis to local governments that commit to addressing specific, persistent encampments by using the resources to provide pathways to permanent housing for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

Created by Newsom and the Legislature in the 2021-22 state budget, the Encampment Resolution Grant program provides targeted grants to fund selected proposals submitted by eligible cities, counties and continuums of care.

“The situation with encampments in California is unacceptable,” Newsom said. “I refuse to accept the status quo – our fellow Californians suffering in tents, under highway overpasses, exposed to the elements and living in unsanitary conditions. These new funds are another step towards providing dignified housing options for people exiting homelessness.”

The $50 million Encampment Resolution Grant program is a part of Newsom’s broader $12 billion homeless package, which includes $2 billion in homelessness aid directly to local governments, as well as a $5.8 billion expansion of the governor’s successful Homekey program.

Eligible local entities are encouraged to submit their concepts for innovative, efficient service delivery models to assist persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness in encampments, including proposals for new partnership opportunities with the state and with philanthropic organizations.

HCFC aims to use the program to fund multiple projects throughout the state. Applications for the completive grants are due on Dec. 31, and HCFC intends to announce awards for the first projects in the spring of 2022.