The Sonoma County (Calif.) Board of Supervisors has awarded $12.4 million to support mental health and homelessness services across the county.
The approved funding includes $10 million from the county’s Measure O, a quarter-cent sales tax voters approved in 2020 to support mental health and homelessness initiatives, and $2.4 million from the state Homelessness Housing, Assistance and Prevention program, according to a Feb. 11 news release from the county. Measure O is a 10-year tax measure that generates approximately $30 million annually for behavioral health and homelessness services in Sonoma County. A total of 26 projects received funding from the board.
The grants were distributed through a competitive notice of funding availability released by the county’s Department of Health Services last August. The process drew 52 proposals requesting more than $35.6 million. After eligibility screening, a five-member community advisory panel reviewed and scored 50 proposals before county staff developed final recommendations.
The Measure O funding will support “school-based mental healthcare, youth and family services, crisis response, culturally affirming behavioral health programs, interim housing, rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing.” Eighteen projects will receive $10 million in Measure O funding, including partnerships with community-based organizations, cities, school systems and tribal entities, according to the release.
In addition, the board approved $2.4 million in state funding for eight housing and homelessness programs aligned with Measure O priorities.
