Monday, 27 July 2026, 23:47
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced $109.6 million in Prop 1-funded Homekey+ awards to create 278 permanent supportive homes in Bakersfield, Contra Costa County, Fresno, and Sacramento. Of these, 103 homes are reserved for veterans experiencing homelessness or behavioral health challenges.
Today’s announcement is part of the Newsom administration’s comprehensive strategy to address California’s housing affordability and homelessness crisis by expanding permanent supportive housing, increasing access to behavioral health services, and helping people move off the streets and into stable housing with the support they need to succeed. “Every Californian deserves a safe place to call home, particularly the veterans who bravely served our country. California voters approved Proposition 1 because they know we must do more to address homelessness and behavioral health challenges. These Homekey+ investments are delivering on that promise by creating supportive housing, connecting people to care, and helping veterans and other Californians move toward stability,” Newsom said in a statement.
In Bakersfield, the Ramkabir Permanent Supportive Housing Project, developed in partnership with Community Action Partnership of Kern, will receive nearly $14.1 million to convert a 38-room motel into 30 permanent supportive homes. Fifteen units are reserved for veterans. The project includes over $1.1 million in local funds and rental subsidies from Kern County agencies.
Other projects include the Rio Linda Senior Housing Project in Sacramento (100 homes, 49 for veterans), Choice in Aging in Contra Costa County (82 units, 30 for veterans), and Parkway Terrace in Fresno (84 homes, 9 for veterans). The Rio Linda project will receive nearly $31.9 million from Homekey+. The project, in partnership with Urban Capital LLC, will serve seniors aged 55 and older and will use modular housing units from BOSS Homes. Choice in Aging will receive $28.8 million in Homekey+ funding. This senior housing community will provide 82 units, with 62 reserved for individuals at risk of homelessness with a behavioral health challenge, including 30 for veterans. The award is conditioned on proof of a low-income housing tax credit award within six months following the conditional award. Choice in Aging, developed with Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, received over $6 million in 2021 from HCD’s Veterans Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program. Parkway Terrace in Fresno will receive just under $32.6 million in Homekey+ funding to convert 106 interim housing units (originally built as a Round 2 Homekey project) into 84 permanent supportive homes, adding critical resident amenities: an upgraded on-site laundry facility, property management and case management offices, and reconfigured interior and exterior community spaces. Accessibility upgrades will include a modernized elevator and full ADA compliance across select units and common areas. Each unit will be updated with new kitchenettes, modern flooring, lighting, and bathroom fixtures.
Separately, three previously awarded veteran-serving projects in Olivehurst, Sanger and Stockton will receive a total of $2.3 million more, mostly for operating expenses.
California has the nation's largest veteran population, with 1.3 to 1.5 million veterans. However, many face homelessness and behavioral health issues. The Homekey+ program, funded by voter-approved Proposition 1, aims to provide permanent supportive housing statewide. To date, it has allocated $968.4 million for 54 projects, creating 2,749 homes, of which 723 are reserved for veterans.
“Investments through Homekey+ aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. Today’s awards will directly lead to the development of hundreds of affordable homes for California’s veterans and those experiencing behavioral health challenges,” said California Housing and Homelessness Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “These investments would not be possible without the support of California voters and our key interagency partners. Together, we will continue to help build brighter futures and deliver tangible results for those with the greatest need.”
“Homekey+ continues to deliver real results for California veterans,” said CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin. “With more than 700 veteran-designated homes now supported through this program, these investments represent more than new housing. They represent renewed opportunity, stability, and dignity for those who served our nation. Every additional Homekey+ project means more veterans will have a safe place to heal, rebuild their lives, and look toward the future with greater confidence.”
In addition to housing, Newsom announced $19 million for the Southern California Veterans Cemetery, $5 million for County Veterans Service Offices, $7 million for housing support for older veterans, and $2 million for legal aid. These efforts follow legislation targeting claim sharks that exploit veterans.
Since 2019, Governor Newsom has invested more than $10.5 billion supporting veterans and military families, championing one of the nation’s most comprehensive agendas to support veterans and military families—making historic investments in housing, mental health, benefits assistance, consumer protections, and economic opportunity. The recently enacted state budget continues that commitment by investing $34 million to expand veteran services, strengthen housing and benefits programs, and advance construction of the long-awaited Southern California Veterans Cemetery in Orange County.
“Governor Newsom and the Legislature have provided the resources, and CalVet is putting those investments to work in communities across the state. Through our programs and local partners, this funding will translate into expert benefits assistance, stable housing and supportive services for older veterans, legal help to remove barriers to earned benefits, and continued progress on a long-awaited veterans cemetery in Southern California. This is how investment becomes meaningful action for California veterans and their families,” said CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin.
Delivering the Southern California Veterans Cemetery: $19 million — $9 million to construct an access road, and $10 million in expenditure authority to begin preliminary plans, working drawings and construction for Phase I of the project. These investments mark another major milestone toward establishing the long-awaited Southern California Veterans Cemetery serving veterans and their families throughout Southern California.
Helping veterans access earned benefits: $6 million strengthens County Veterans Service Offices so more veterans can receive expert assistance accessing disability compensation, pensions, health care, and other earned federal benefits.
Helping older veterans stay housed: $7 million continues the Veterans Support to Self-Reliance Program, providing housing stability and supportive services—including nursing care, behavioral health supports, medication management, and peer support—for veterans age 55 and older who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Restoring benefits through legal assistance: $2 million expands no-cost legal services helping veterans obtain discharge upgrades that restore eligibility for federal benefits for veterans affected by military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, behavioral health conditions, discrimination, or other qualifying circumstances.
Since 2019, Governor Newsom has prioritized veterans through sustained investments – more than $10.5 billion – across state government, including: expanded veteran housing through Proposition 1 and the Veterans Housing and Homeless Prevention Program; new consumer protections cracking down on companies that exploit veterans seeking benefits; expanded mental health resources and crisis support for veterans; increased investments in County Veterans Service Offices to connect veterans with federal benefits and fraud protection; historic efforts to help veterans become homeowners and expand affordable housing opportunities; continued support for military families facing federal disruptions and economic uncertainty; signing landmark legislation protecting veterans from predatory financial actors and fraudulent claims assistance companies; expanding access to mental health care and suicide prevention resources; investing in veteran homeownership and affordable housing; and supporting military families impacted by federal workforce reductions and instability.
These investments demonstrate California's commitment to veterans, but the scale of need remains high. As Newsom considers a 2028 presidential run, these actions may influence veteran voters in upcoming elections.
