Senators press for clarity on HAP awards, accountability and continued homelessness funding

Multiple senators stressed the need for consistent funding and clearer accountability for homelessness programs, including the Homelessness Assistance Program (HAP), Clean California and Homekey projects.

Senators expressed concern that $1 billion appropriated in the previous budget for HAP had not yet been awarded and that local governments were relying on these allocations when planning responses. Finance and agency staff explained that earlier appropriations remain to be awarded and that the administration had not proposed a new $1 billion allocation for 2025–26; they said the state would work with the Legislature on priorities in the spring. Finance said the previous HAP round had not been fully awarded and that local housing departments and the Department of Housing and Community Development were still processing prior awards.

Members repeatedly asked for better outcome and fiscal reporting tied to homelessness spending — for example, metrics showing whether people housed remain housed, whether placements were local to a person or shifted out of region, and the duration of housing placements. Finance said recent award rounds introduced monthly fiscal and outcome reporting requirements and that the administration planned to improve oversight; detailed field definitions and reporting templates were to be provided as follow‑up.

Senators also raised the Clean California initiative and asked whether Caltrans and local partners have adequate ongoing funding to sustain litter and encampment cleanup; Finance said the budget proposes $25 million in local grants and that Caltrans maintains an existing litter cleanup budget. Lawmakers said they will press for continued and equitable investment.

Committee members indicated they expect additional follow‑up from Finance and implementing agencies on HAP award status, reporting fields and the potential impact of not funding new HAP dollars for 2025–26.