Policy & Legislation
MHSA Housing Program Funds First Projects:
Many More on the Way
July 22, 2008
This week, the first Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Housing Program developments will receive funding! This marks the exciting beginning of a new resource for creating permanent, affordable homes with services -- a resource that has been in development since the governor issued an executive order in May 2006.
The first two MHSA Housing Program recipients include one development in Sacramento County and one development in San Francisco County. Eleven other developments are also close to final approval, with an additional 37 projects "in the pipeline." All in all, the projects in the pipeline would create more than 2,700 homes, with nearly 700 of these homes specifically targeted for the MHSA target population. These homes in the pipeline would account for approximately $120 million in awards.
The vast number of projects in the pipeline is not the only encouraging sign; the developments span a vast geographic area and serve diverse populations that include seniors, families, and transition-aged youth.
The MHSA Housing Program is a collaborative effort between California counties, the California Department of Mental Health, and the California Housing Finance Agency. Together, they have allocated $400 million to cover construction and operating costs for permanent affordable homes for the mentally ill in our communities.
Contact: Zack Olmstead, (916) 447.0503 x108 or .
