$15 million awarded to Sacramento County to provide options for those transitioning out of homelessness

(FOX40.COM) — Sacramento County was recently awarded $15 million as part of a $133 million grant to provide temporary, safe housing for people transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing, the county government said on Thursday.

According to the county, the funding comes from the California Department of Health Care Services’ Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program (BHBH). Sacramento County, which received $43 million from the DHCS in the first round of funding, said it committed the money to develop strategies addressing behavioral health and housing challenges.

“First, the County invested in 100 Safe Stay beds dedicated to individuals experiencing both homelessness and behavioral health issues,” Sacramento County officials said. “The second strategy involves collaborating with community-based organizations in Sacramento County to generate innovative ideas for transitional housing.”

Of those 100 beds built with the first round of funding, 80 remain unused, 56 from the East Parkway campus, and 24 from the Florin Safe Stay campus. With the additional round of funding announced on Thursday, officials said the county hopes to build 66 new Safe Stay beds for the Watt Safe Stay campus.

On July 9, Sacramento County approved adding about 135 more beds for people who are dealing with behavioral health challenges, including sober living programs. “These beds are in various phases of construction,” officials said.

Sacramento County Behavioral Health Director Dr. Ryan Quist said, “Each dollar received translates into meaningful change, offering hope, support, and a pathway to treatment for those in need.” Quist continued, “I’d like to thank the State for believing in our mission and empowering Sacramento County to continue the important bridge housing work. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of so many [people.]

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