Funding for the California Emergency Solutions Grants Program and the Federal Emergency Solutions Grants Program shall be made available upon appropriation to the department for the purpose of addressing the crisis of homelessness in California. In furtherance of this purpose, the department shall make grants to qualifying subrecipients throughout the state to implement activities that address the needs of homeless individuals and families and assist them to regain stability in permanent housing as quickly as possible. Funded activities may include without limitation activities eligible under the Federal ESG Program, including (a) engaging homeless individuals and families living on the street; (b) operating homeless shelters and providing essential services to shelter residents; (c) rapidly rehousing homeless individuals and families; and (d) preventing families and individuals from becoming homeless. In addition, the California Emergency Solutions Grants Program and the Federal Emergency Solutions Grants Program may facilitate technical assistance activities to improve the capacity of subrecipients and the continuum of care to end homelessness. The department may accept funding for the Federal ESG Program made available by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development pursuant to federal regulations and California guidelines.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 70, Sec. 39. (SB 197) Effective June 30, 2022.)