Healthy and Safe Communities

Summary of objective implementation status

In October 2024, a NOFA (Notice of Funding Availability) for approximately $5.2 million in funding was released, combining Measure O funding with County-dedicated Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding.  This funding is focused on homelessness services and support, with an emphasis on mental health and substance abuse treatment/support. The funding also supports existing homeless programs and services for Transition Age Youth (TAY) ages 18-24.  NOFA awards are anticipated by late 2024/early 2025. 

Peer navigation and support services funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars continued in 2024 via West County Community Services and could be continued, if additional funding is identified (Measure O is a possible source).  The Sonoma County Homeless Coalition’s Lived Experience Advisory Board, funded with HHAP dollars, compensates individuals with lived experience of homelessness who provide input to the Coalition Board and its committees.  The annual Homeless Coalition NOFA awarded funds in 2024 (approximately $8 million) to existing and new programs that address homelessness, with an emphasis on strengthening existing homeless programs to provide deeper wrap-around services. 

Key milestone update (include relevant metrics, if applicable)

The Measure O NOFA released in October 2024, and the next Homeless Coalition NOFA will be released in late 2024/early 2025 for continued funding of local homelessness services programs. 

Coordination and partnership update

Partnership continues with both the Homeless Coalition Board as well as local stakeholders (nonprofit partners and jurisdictional partners) to increase investments in programs addressing homelessness.  The County holds two dedicated seats on the Coalition Board (Board of Supervisors and a County representative).  The County representative is the Housing Authority Director with the Community Development Commission, and Ending Homelessness staff meet monthly with CDC partners to provide input into affordable housing plans and developments.  

Community, equity and climate update

Equity goals are incorporated into both the Measure O and Local Homelessness NOFA as a key metric of evaluating programs and in project awards. 

Objective funding

N/A