NOTE: If you are in need of housing assistance, please visit the California Department of Social Services Project Roomkey/Housing and Homelessness COVID Response webpage for more information.

California Providing $100 Million to Local Governments

Project Roomkey provides $100 million directly to California local governments for emergency shelter support and emergency housing, such as motel or hotel rooms, for homeless individuals needing isolated living arrangements due to COVID-19 exposure.

In addition, through the Federal Emergency Management Act, 75 percent of local government expenditures for Project Roomkey are reimbursable. Cities and counties should be aware that there are specific processes that need to be followed and information submitted to qualify for FEMA reimbursement. However, it’s worth noting that the FEMA funding significantly leverages the State’s investment into Project Roomkey.

The $100 million investment is being administered by the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency. The State recommends that any homeless individuals who are COVID-19 positive or, were exposed to someone who is, but do not require hospitalization, or having high-risk factors, be separated from other people. The individual hotel and motel rooms are for these people.

Applications will become available on the Housing and Community Development’s website in the following days. Agency staff has indicated that once available, applications for funding will be due as little as two weeks later. Register to receive information on COVID-19 response funding as it becomes available.

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