Multifamily Housing Program: Homekey: Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention program.

Senator Ashby's housing legislation directs California's housing programs to prioritize former foster youth and low-income households experiencing traumatic homelessness, including survivors of violence, abuse, and human trafficking. The bill modifies three major programs: the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention program (HHAP), Homekey, and the Multifamily Housing Program.

The legislation requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to consider these vulnerable populations when allocating funds for housing acquisition, rehabilitation, construction and operating subsidies. The department must track and report annually on how funds are used, including the number of housing units created and individuals housed. Projects funded under these programs receive streamlined approval by being deemed consistent with local plans and zoning requirements.

The bill's findings note that traditional co-ed homeless shelters, which are predominantly male, can feel unsafe for women who have experienced trauma. By directing resources toward housing that serves survivors of violence and trafficking, the legislation aims to create more trauma-informed housing options. The provisions apply to future funding rounds, contingent on legislative appropriations for these housing programs.