Californians with severe behavioral health disorders who are homeless will benefit from $518.5 million in funding, which will expand treatment beds for more than 1,000 people at a time, as well as behavioral health services for many more.
The United States is in the midst of a mental health crisis. California announced $518.5 million in grants today to help provide services and housing choices to people suffering from serious mental illness or substance addiction issues, including those who are homeless.
Governor Newsom’s CARE Court initiative, which takes a fresh approach to homelessness and takes tougher action to get individuals off the streets and into a location where they can get the care they need, will benefit from the extra money.
The money will be used to offer treatment beds for over 1,000 people at a time, as well as mental health services for a large number of others. It’s part of a $2.2 billion plan in California to expand mental health housing and services, particularly for people who are homeless.
During a meeting with families who have loved ones suffering from major mental illness, many of whom have been homeless, the Governor revealed the latest funding.
“The crisis on our streets has reached a critical juncture. Too many Californians suffer from mental illness and substance abuse, and many end up on the streets. Governor Newsom stated, “We need to transform the way we offer care to those who need it, and these funds represent a critical start in changing our approach to homelessness and serious mental illness.” “California will no longer turn a blind eye; we are now assisting our fellow Californians.” That’s how we do things in California.”
Families who are caring for loved ones who are battling with behavioral or mental health illnesses and potentially benefit from CARE Court attended the Governor’s meeting in Sacramento with representatives of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
The Governor listened to their tales and spoke about California’s historic steps to solve the situation.
CARE Court will provide community-based therapy, resources, and housing to Californians suffering from untreated schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic diseases, and will function as an upstream intervention for the most severely affected.
“Governor Newsom has NAMI’s full support in getting CARE Court across the finish line,” said Jessica Cruz, NAMI CA CEO. “We’re here today to show our commitment to providing help, hope and health for those affected by serious mental illness by supporting initiatives like CARE Court which will provide much-needed help to Californians who need it most.”
“CARE Court has the potential to change the lives of thousands of families across the state,” said Harold Turner, Executive Director of NAMI Urban Los Angeles. “Organizations like NAMI urgently need this support so we can quickly begin helping our loved ones who are struggling with untreated mental and behavioral issues.”
The Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 3: Launch Ready funding from the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) are responsible for the awards announced today.
The Legislature and Governor committed a total of $2.2 billion to build, buy, and expand behavioral health facilities and community-based care choices, as well as invest in mobile crisis infrastructure.
Grants were awarded in the following counties:
- Alameda County – $18,405,122
- El Dorado County – $2,852,182
- Humboldt County – $4,170,560
- Kern County – $3,138,065
- Los Angeles County – $155,172,811
- Madera County – $2,035,512
- Mendocino County – $7,711,800
- Monterey County – $3,558,670
- Nevada County – $4,458,799
- Orange County – $10,000,000
- Placer County – $6,519,015
- Riverside County – $103,181,728
- Sacramento County – $30,553,889
- San Diego County – $30,874,411
- San Francisco County – $6,750,000
- Santa Barbara County – $2,914,224
- Santa Clara County – $54,074,660
- Solano County – $14,332,411
- Sonoma County – $9,751,915
- Stanislaus County – $33,369,900
- Yolo County – $12,500,000
Cities, counties, tribal bodies, NGOs, and for-profit organizations serving target populations across the state are among the recipients of BHCIP Launch Ready awards. BHCIP Grant Award Information has more information about the BHCIP Round 3 Launch Ready recipients.
More than $480 million will be allocated to children and youth mental health issues in the next round of financing. This fall, awards will be given out. Please see the Improving California’s Infrastructure BHCIP grant material for more information on these and previous BHCIP award rounds.