The County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to add $10 million in funding for supportive housing for severely homeless people with severe mental illnesses.
According to this year’s Point-in-Time Homeless Count around 8,700 homeless people were living in San Diego in 2014 – just under half were unsheltered and around one-fifth had a severe mental illness.
“This money is part of our continuing efforts to help San Diegans who don’t have a home and struggle with a serious mental illness,” said County Supervisor Greg Cox who sits on the Regional Continuum of Care Council, a group of community organizations and businesses that address homelessness. “More housing for homeless with very serious mental illness will keep our communities safe and thriving.”
Supervisor Ron Roberts says stable housing is a critical component of caring for the mentally ill. “Today’s action ensures these new units will be dedicated for supportive housing for the next 55 years.
The $10 million will come from the Mental Health Services Act, a law approved by voters in 2004 to expand funding for mental health services. The act imposes a 1% income tax on personal income over $1 million.
County staff will develop the details of the supportive housing. They also plan to hold public forums on mental health and addiction around the county. The forums will help determine needs and gaps in services to prioritize for future programs.
Supportive housing programs often include job training, life skills training, social services and alcohol and drug abuse programs.
