Madera County approves closeout of $1.4M rapid rehousing grant for homeless services

The Madera County Board of Supervisors held a regular meeting on July 1, 2025, focusing on the closeout of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) CV 2 Rapid Rehousing project. The public hearing was conducted to authorize county staff to finalize the grant and submit the necessary documentation to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

Tristan Shamp from county administration outlined the background of the project, which was initiated in response to the urgent needs of low-income and unhoused residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Madera County secured funding through the CDBG CV 2 program to construct six modular housing units on the campus of the Madera Rescue Mission. The total funding received amounted to $1,441,142, which included an initial award of $843,595 and an additional $597,547 granted in September 2024.

The project received a time extension in September 2024, allowing it to be completed by March 2025. All funds were successfully expended during the project period, thanks to collaboration with local agencies such as the Madera Rescue Mission and the Community Action Partnership of Madera County. These partnerships facilitated effective management and administration of the program.

The manufactured homes are designed to serve as triage housing for individuals without serious addiction or mental health issues, providing temporary shelter while connecting them to housing navigation and supportive services. Currently, the Madera Rescue Mission is serving approximately 16 individuals in this capacity.

Upon completion, the Madera Rescue Mission will retain ownership and responsibility for the maintenance and operation of the housing units for a minimum of eight years, as stipulated in the ownership agreement signed with the county. Additionally, the Community Action Partnership will assign a housing case worker to provide ongoing support and case management at the site.

The meeting concluded with the board's approval to proceed with the grant closeout, marking a significant step in addressing homelessness in Madera County.