Governor Newsom Announces CARE Court Accountability Measures, Awards $291 Million for Housing and Behavioral Health Services
Photo Credit: California Governor’s Office
HAYWARD, Calif., March 2, 2026 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — Governor Gavin Newsom has announced new accountability measures to accelerate implementation of California’s Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act and awarded $291 million to expand supportive housing and behavioral health services statewide.
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The announcement follows what the state described as the first statewide drop in unsheltered homelessness in more than 15 years, a 9% decline. According to the Governor’s office, the measures are intended to strengthen enforcement of the CARE Act and expand housing and treatment options through Proposition 1 and Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funding.
The Governor designated 10 counties as “CARE Champions” for what the state described as leading implementation of CARE Court based on per capita petition rates during calendar year 2025. The counties recognized are Humboldt, Tuolumne, Marin, Napa, Merced, Sutter, Alameda, Santa Barbara, San Mateo, and Imperial.
An additional 10 counties — Santa Clara, San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, Kern, Riverside, Yolo, Monterey, Fresno, and San Francisco — were identified for additional support through the state’s CARE Improvement and Coordination Unit (CARE ICU).
“Care and accountability go hand in hand — full stop. Through CARE Court, we have seen inspirational stories of recovery and resilience, but many counties continue to lag behind their peers. Local leaders have a moral and legal obligation to deliver this transformational tool for those who need it most. We will not accept failure and excuses when lives are on the line,” said Newsom.
CARE Court programs began in eight counties in 2023 and were fully implemented statewide by December 2024. According to the state, more than 3,800 petitions have been submitted, more than 4,000 individuals have been connected to services through diversion without court engagement, and more than 1,851 people have continued through the CARE Court process.
“The CARE Act reflects California’s belief that compassion and accountability must go hand in hand. It offers people living with severe mental illness a real path to treatment and stability, while making clear that every county has a responsibility to deliver. When CARE is implemented effectively, lives change, and we are committed to ensuring that promise is realized statewide,” said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson.
As part of the funding announcement, the Governor awarded $131.8 million in Homekey+ funds for eight affordable housing communities that will create 443 homes for individuals, including veterans, experiencing or at risk of homelessness and living with behavioral health challenges. The projects are located in Stockton, Santa Fe Springs, and in Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Tehama, and Yuba counties.
“Homekey+ and Proposition 1 programs continue to expand the availability of affordable homes and vital supportive services for Veterans and Californians who are experiencing homelessness and living with behavioral health challenges. The supportive housing projects being awarded today will greatly improve lives and ensure that they have a home where they can thrive,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss.
“These new Homekey+ projects are helping turn the promise we make to our veterans into something tangible: a place to heal, rebuild, and belong. This work reflects California’s deep commitment to those who served, and the strength of our partnerships in delivering real solutions. We are proud to stand alongside the Department of Housing and Community Development and communities across the state in this work. Every new Homekey+ project brings us closer to a future where every veteran has the stability, dignity, and support they deserve,” said CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin.
In addition, $159 million in HHAP Round 6 funding was awarded to 20 regions statewide. The state reported that a total of $578.9 million has been awarded this year under HHAP Round 6, with additional funding expected in the coming weeks.
The CARE Act is part of broader reforms to California’s behavioral health system, including Proposition 1, which voters approved in 2024. When fully awarded, Proposition 1 bond funding is estimated by the state to create 6,800 residential treatment beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health care.
For more information, visit www.accountability.ca.gov.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
