Multifamily Housing Program: Homekey: Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program.

Senator Ashby's housing legislation directs California's housing programs to prioritize funding for foster youth, homeless individuals, and low-income households experiencing trauma or abuse. The bill modifies three major programs: the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program (HHAP), the Multifamily Housing Program, and Homekey.

The legislation requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to consider these priority populations when allocating funds under all three programs. The bill's findings note that traditional co-ed homeless shelters, which are over 90 percent male, can create environments where women who have experienced trafficking, violence, or abuse feel unsafe. Upon appropriation by the Legislature, funding would support housing construction, development, acquisition, and rehabilitation specifically serving these vulnerable groups.

For the Homekey program, which provides housing for those impacted by or at increased risk from COVID-19, the bill maintains existing eligible uses including property acquisition, rehabilitation, master leasing, unit conversion, new construction, and operating subsidies. Projects funded through Homekey would continue requiring expenditure within eight months of award, with possible extensions available. The department must submit annual reports detailing fund usage, housing units created, and program outcomes.