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Santa Ana approves $3.8 million in state HAP funds to help navigation center and youth housing services
Summary
The City Council recognized a Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HAP) award, approved an appropriation adjustment, and set aside the required youth allocation; staff said funds will operate the Carnegie Navigation Center and support outreach and rapid rehousing.
The Santa Ana City Council voted March 18 to recognize a state Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HAP) award and appropriate the funds to support the Carnegie Navigation Center, outreach services and programs for homeless youth.
Staff told the council the city submitted an HAP application in January 2024 and received an award notification in November 2024. A staff member identified the amount supporting the navigation center as about $3,800,000 and said the city must set aside 10% of the HAP award for transitional-age youth (roughly $550,000), to be used for rental subsidies, landlord incentives, move-in costs and vouchers where appropriate.
The appropriation adjustment passed unanimously in a roll call vote. Mayor Meskwet moved the item and Councilmember Lopez seconded; the clerk recorded seven ayes. Councilmembers asked how the youth funds would be used; staff replied those dollars will support individuals aged 18–24 who are staying at the city shelter and could include emergency rapid rehousing and landlord incentives tied to vouchers through the housing authority.
Councilmembers also stressed the reliance on state and federal funding to operate shelter services and noted that replacing the grant would be a significant general fund burden. “It would be quite an undertaking to utilize the general fund for these operations,” one councilmember said.
The action authorizes staff to recognize and appropriate the HAP round award and directs ongoing use to support shelter operations, outreach and youth services as specified in the grant application.
