HHAP, or the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program, is a multi-billion-dollar California state grant initiative that provides cities, counties, and Continuums of Care with flexible, one-time block-grant funding to prevent and end homelessness in their local regions.

The program is designed to expand local capacity by prioritizing permanent housing solutions and supporting long-term housing stability. Spending must be tied to evidence-based practices and regional collaboration.

Local jurisdictions use HHAP grants to implement a variety of targeted interventions, including:

• Rapid Rehousing: Financial assistance for security deposits, holding fees, and move-in costs.
• Rental Subsidies: Monthly rent assistance for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
• Shelter Operations: Funding for interim housing, emergency shelters, and hotel/motel voucher programs.
• Prevention and Diversion: Targeted aid to help keep individuals housed and prevent them from entering the shelter system in the first place.
• Supportive Services: Wrap-around services, mental health support, and youth-focused assistance.

Funding is allocated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Eligible applicants include:

• All 58 counties
• Large cities (populations over 300,000)
• Continuums of Care (CoCs)
• California Federally Recognized Tribes (via Tribal HHAP)

Since its inception, the HHAP program has transitioned over 100,000 Californians into stable, permanent housing. The state has committed nearly $5 billion across multiple funding rounds to bolster local homelessness response systems.

You can track statewide investments, jurisdiction allocations, and program data on the California Department of Housing and Community Development Fiscal Dashboard.

The Santa Clara region (including the County of Santa Clara, CoC, and the City of San José) has received roughly $283 million in HHAP grants across multiple funding rounds.

• CoC Allocation: The CoC has received over $71 million. Key CoC responsibilities include implementing community-wide efforts to end homelessness and ensuring programmatic and systemic effectiveness.
• County Allocation: Santa Clara County has received over $67 million. Primary uses include funding operating subsidies for supportive housing and providing homelessness prevention and diversion programs.
• City Allocation: The City of San José has secured over $145 million. The city allocated its funds primarily toward interim housing units, emergency navigation centers, and street outreach services.

San José has received six rounds of the HHAP grant.

HHAP grant guidelines require both the state council and local recipients to post final approved program applications, local homelessness action plans, and spending reports to their websites.

Track ongoing state allocations and see how the funds are being used locally by visiting the California Department of Housing and Community Development or reviewing the local Santa Clara County Homelessness Accountability dashboard.