SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) was notified of a conditional award of $15 million as part of the latest round of funding from the California Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program. This award is part of a broader initiative by the State which awarded nearly $133 million to 10 County behavioral health agencies to provide temporary, safe housing and essential support for people transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing.

This new funding builds on the success of the first round of Behavioral Health Bridge Housing funding, in which Sacramento County received $43 million. With the initial funding, the County developed two main strategies to address behavioral health and housing challenges. First, the County invested in 100 Safe Stay beds dedicated to individuals experiencing both homelessness and behavioral health issues. Currently, 80 Behavioral Health Services dedicated beds are open. There are 56 beds at the East Parkway campus, and 24 beds are located at the Florin Safe Stay campus. There are currently 20 Behavioral Health Services Safe Stay beds under construction at the Stockton Safe Stay campus.

The second strategy involves collaborating with community-based organizations in Sacramento County to generate innovative ideas for transitional housing. On July 9, the County approved adding approximately 135 beds for individuals with behavioral health challenges, including sober living programs. These beds are in various phases of construction.

With this additional round of funding awarded to Sacramento County, Behavioral Health Services will support the construction of 66 new Safe Stay beds for the Watt Safe Stay Campus. In total, with all funding, Behavioral Health Bridge Housing will support the addition of 301 beds for individuals experiencing homelessness with behavioral health conditions.

“As you all know, each dollar received translates into meaningful change, offering hope, support and a pathway to treatment for those in need,” said Sacramento County Behavioral Health Director, Dr. Ryan Quist. “I’d like to thank the State for believing in our mission and empowering Sacramento County to continue the important bridge housing work. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of so many.”