Placer County seeks Homekey Plus funding for new supportive housing project

The Placer County Board of Supervisors convened on December 17, 2024, to discuss critical initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness in the region. The meeting featured a presentation by the Director of the Adult System of Care within Health and Human Services (HHS), who outlined the county's ongoing efforts and future plans for supportive housing projects.

The primary agenda item was a request for permission to apply for the next round of Homekey funding, specifically the Homekey Plus initiative. The director emphasized the county's success in achieving the second lowest rate of homelessness in California, attributing this to a long-standing commitment to housing solutions for vulnerable residents, particularly those with serious mental illnesses.

For nearly three decades, Placer County has partnered with AMI Housing to develop a portfolio of permanent supportive housing. This model combines housing with essential supportive services, addressing both mental health and substance use disorders. The director highlighted that HHS has been allocating Mental Health Services Act funds for over 16 years to support these initiatives, making Placer one of the first counties in the state to do so.

The proposed project under the Homekey Plus funding would consist of 50 to 55 beds located in Mid Placer, designed to provide a mix of subsidies to serve the county's most vulnerable residents. The director noted that eligibility for the housing would be based on a person's status on the county's homeless management information system, ensuring that those who have been homeless the longest receive priority.

A significant aspect of the proposed model is the integration of on-site behavioral health support, which aims to address community concerns effectively. The director explained that having dedicated staff available 24/7 would facilitate quicker resolutions to issues that may arise, such as frequent calls to law enforcement from residents.

The meeting also touched on the importance of community feedback in the planning process for housing projects. The county has successfully secured Homekey funding in previous rounds, resulting in projects that include a 14-bed facility in the Tahoe region and an 82-bed facility in Roseville. The proposed new project aims to expand access to supportive housing across the county.

In conclusion, the Board of Supervisors expressed support for the application to the Homekey Plus funding, recognizing the potential benefits of the proposed housing model in addressing homelessness and improving community well-being. The meeting underscored Placer County's commitment to innovative solutions in the ongoing fight against homelessness, with a focus on sustainable and supportive housing options.