California Voters Would Decide In Funding Mental Health Housing

Voters Will Decide About Funding Mental Health Housing in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed asking voters to fund mental health housing, a new step to modernize how the state treats those with mental illness and addiction. He announced the plan Sunday as part of a tour of the state to announce his policy goals.

The proposal would divert a portion of the income tax on people earning over $1 million to build thousands of community behavioral health beds in residential settings. It would also earmark money for homeless veterans.

An initiative would go on the 2024 ballot that would:

1. Authorize a general obligation bond to:
   1. Build thousands of new community behavioral health beds in state-of-the-art residential settings to house Californians with mental illness and substance use disorders, which could serve over 10,000 people every year in residential-style settings that have on-site services – not in institutions of the past, but locations where people can truly heal.
   2. Provide more funding specifically for housing for homeless veterans.
2. Amend the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA), leading to at least $1 billion every year in local assistance for housing and residential services for people experiencing mental illness and substance use disorders, and allowing MHSA funds to serve people with substance use disorders.
3. Include new accountability and oversight measures for counties to improve performance.

Stable Housing

Stable housing is the basic necessity for individuals and families of all ages to live with dignity. This can help prevent people from experiencing homelessness, jail or hospitalization.

In addition, it can provide a safe, stable place to recover from mental illness. This includes finding a home that is appropriate for your needs, offers you the right amount of independence and is affordable.

Ideally, you’ll pay no more than 30% of your income for housing costs so you don’t have to worry about being unable to afford basic needs like food or health care.

A number of programs exist that can help you find a place to live that meets these requirements. These include emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing.

Affordable Housing

A place like California has everything to offer, from pristine beaches and crashing surf to beautiful mountains and iconic cities. But it also costs a lot to live there, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco where housing prices are sky-high.

As a result, many people are struggling to find affordable homes, particularly in places with limited supply growth. And that’s exacerbated by inflation and zoning inequalities, which push families to spend more of their income on rent.

The state defines affordable housing as costing no more than 30 percent of a household’s monthly income for all expenses including rent or mortgage payments, utilities, property taxes and insurance. More than 4 in 10 households statewide have housing costs that are unaffordable, and 1 in 5 are severely cost-burdened.

Independence

Whether you’re a senior or someone with a mental illness, independence is essential for a successful recovery. It’s difficult to imagine how you could live your life without the freedom to make your own decisions and be in control of your destiny.

Independent housing is a solution that combines affordable and permanent living space with supportive services. It provides a safe place to recover and prevent hospitalizations and homelessness.

Supportive housing is financially viable for both private and public agencies and nonprofits. It is a critical component of the Housing First strategy to end chronic homelessness, which is less expensive than emergency and institutional care.

The state’s current Mental Health Act, approved by voters in 2004, levies a 1% tax on incomes above $1 million to fund programs for people with mental illnesses. Newsom wants to change that and add $1 billion a year to help build housing for people with serious mental illness.

Support

Mental health services are crucial to the lives of those with severe mental illness, but they can be expensive. That’s one reason why people with serious mental illness often don’t seek treatment.

Fortunately, there are programs available to help people get the support they need. These programs can include housing assistance, rental subsidies, and counseling services.

If you’re struggling with a serious mental illness and need help getting into stable housing, consider supportive housing. These homes provide housing and wrap-around supportive services to address chronic issues, including mental and substance use disorders.

Supportive housing is also effective in resolving homelessness, and research shows it increases mental health and housing stability for those with chronic mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders. It can reduce public costs, as well.