California’s big city mayors are asking Governor Newsom and state lawmakers to keep the HHAP funding program to prevent losing progress in fighting homelessness.
Mayors Urge Governor Newsom to Maintain HHAP Funding to Prevent Homelessness Crisis Reversal
According to the published article in Sacramento Bee, California‘s big city mayors are asking Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers to keep funding the Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program. This program has given about $4 million each year for the past five years to help fight homelessness. Newsom wants to cut $260 million from this program because of a $45 billion budget shortfall. Mayors warn that without this money shelters might close and more people could end up homeless. Newsom has also sped up $3 billion from Proposition 1 to build mental health centers but mayors say both HHAP funding and Prop. 1 funds are needed to tackle homelessness.
At a recent press event, city leaders like Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria stressed the importance of continuing HHAP funding. They said that cutting this funding now would undo the progress made in reducing homelessness. Mayors shared stories of people who were helped by HHAP funding showing how the program has made a real difference and how losing the funding could hurt many.
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California Mayors Unite to Protect $4M HHAP Funding Even With $45B Budget Deficit: $260M Cut Threatens Homeless Shelters and Progress! (PHOTO: KBAK)
Mayors Commit to Accountability and Urge Continued HHAP Funding to Sustain Homelessness Reduction Efforts
Furthermore, the mayors also promised to be more accountable for how they spend the funds agreeing with Governor Newsom’s call for clear results. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson talked about their cities’ efforts to track progress and set goals to reduce homelessness. They believe the HHAP funding has been very effective and must keep coming to maintain progress. Groups like the California State Association of Counties also support this urging state leaders to continue the funding despite budget challenges.
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