San Diego City Wire

San Diego County Behavioral Health Services has secured $12.4 million in state funding to establish 49 new recuperative care beds for individuals experiencing homelessness and behavioral health conditions. The funds, part of the California Department of Health Care Services' Behavioral Health Bridge Housing initiative, will support both operational and infrastructure startup costs.

The new beds will be situated within a County-owned facility and through community-based providers contracted by the County. Chairwoman Nora Vargas expressed appreciation for the full funding, stating, “Receiving the full amount requested shows the County and Board of Supervisors are fully engaged in addressing the critical housing and crisis service needs of those with behavioral health conditions.” She emphasized ongoing progress in serving underinvested communities.

Dr. Luke Bergmann, Director of Behavioral Health Services, highlighted the importance of these services amidst recent policy changes. “With recent policy shifts driven by Proposition 1 and looming changes to behavioral health conservatorship, this service will be especially important,” he said. He noted that co-locating these beds with substance use disorder treatment would enhance access to care for those most in need.

This initiative aims to provide stable locations for individuals released from hospitals, crisis stabilization units, jails, and other institutions who cannot recover while living unhoused. These services are not typically covered by existing federal, state, or county funds.

Eligibility for this additional round of funding required county behavioral health agencies to have signed contracts by April 10, 2024. Last year, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors accepted $44.3 million from this program to supplement board and care payments for Medi-Cal clients facing rising rent costs.

For more information or media inquiries:

County Communications Office

communications@sdcounty.ca.gov

619-595-4633