San Francisco County is taking significant steps to address housing needs for participants in the newly established Care Court program. During a recent government meeting, officials outlined plans to integrate housing solutions into the care framework, recognizing that stable housing is crucial for the health and recovery of individuals involved in the program.

A key highlight from the meeting was the announcement of a $32 million behavioral health bridge grant from the state, aimed at providing mid to short-term housing options. This funding will prioritize Care Court participants but is not limited to them, allowing broader access to essential housing resources. The grant will support various housing types, including emergency shelters and rental assistance, to help individuals transition from homelessness to stable living situations.

While this grant represents a vital one-time funding source, officials noted that there is currently no new state funding allocated for permanent housing solutions for Care Court participants. Instead, the county plans to leverage existing state and federal housing programs alongside local resources to meet the needs of this vulnerable population.

The meeting also detailed the development of a referral process to streamline housing placements for Care Court participants, particularly those experiencing homelessness. The goal is to expedite housing placements, especially for individuals with high needs, to prevent fiscal penalties associated with unmet care plan components.

In addition to immediate housing solutions, the county is planning for long-term housing options. Participants may initially be placed in bridge housing settings, which can range from a few weeks to several years, depending on individual needs and available resources. The bridge housing grant will also fund housing navigators to assist clients in transitioning from temporary accommodations to permanent housing.

Furthermore, the county is exploring innovative models, such as the Oak Days model from Alameda County, which integrates medical services into permanent supportive housing. This approach aims to provide comprehensive care for residents with chronic health conditions and behavioral health needs, allowing them to remain in stable housing as they age.

As San Francisco County moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on ensuring that Care Court participants receive the necessary support and resources to achieve lasting housing stability and improved health outcomes.