San Bernardino receives $4.6 million from state for homelessness

Governor Gavin Newsom announced nearly $200 million in new state funding to help move people out of encampments and into housing, of that San Bernardino will receive $4.6 million.

“This new funding will get people out of tents and into housing across California,” said Governor Gavin Newsom during a virtual press conference. “As the state provides unprecedented resources like this, we also expect accountability. Local governments must ensure this funding is being utilized on the ground.”

The funding is part of the California’s Encampment Resolution Fund (ERF) grants, which are administered by the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH).

San Bernardino will use the funds to provide permanent housing for 60 individuals and assist in securing interim housing placements for at least 40 unhoused individuals within the area along Waterman Avenue. This 5.2-mile corridor contains encampments with approximately 200 homeless individuals near two state right-of-way areas, State Route 18 and Interstate 210, and extends into areas such as maintenance tunnels of the freeway structure, pedestrian passageways, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Mayor Helen Tran expressed her gratitude for the funding during the event. “As you know, the city of San Bernardino has the largest homeless population in our county. I’m thrilled that we will be receiving nearly $4.6 million in encampment funding to provide resources to individuals in our city,” said Tran.

The Encampment Resolution Funding Program is a competitive grant program available to assist local jurisdictions ensure the wellness and safety of people experiencing homelessness in encampments.  It is estimated that the projects funded by the awards will provide services and support for nearly 3,600 individuals of which 2,200 will receive permanent housing. The grants will be administered by the California Interagency Council on Homelessness.