The California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) is dedicated to coordinating and enhancing state efforts to address homelessness. Its mission includes developing strategies and partnerships to reduce homelessness in California, focusing on supportive and effective solutions for those affected by homelessness, including funding programs aimed at resolving encampments and providing stable, permanent housing solutions.
The Encampment Resolution Funding (ERF) Program, in its third round, is designed to support local, actionable, person-centered proposals aimed at resolving the situation of unsheltered homelessness for individuals living in encampments. With a significant funding allocation of $400 million, of which approximately $298 million is available for new awards, the program emphasizes a non-punitive, low-barrier approach to transitioning individuals from encampments into either interim shelters with clear pathways or directly into permanent housing. The ERF program is particularly focused on improving safety and wellness within encampments, addressing critical concerns, and promoting data-informed, Housing First, and coordinated methodologies. Through this initiative, proposals that either enhance proven models or innovate new strategies to provide safe, stable, and permanent housing solutions for the homelessness experienced in encampments are encouraged. Applications for this funding will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 30, 2024, or until funds are depleted.