Committee forwards $32.3 million DPH bridge-housing grant to Board

The Budget and Finance Committee forwarded to the full Board a retroactive grant agreement that would allow the Department of Public Health to accept approximately $32,300,000 in funds awarded through the California Department of Healthcare Services for behavioral health bridge housing.

A DPH presenter described the four‑year program (term cited as July 1, 2023–June 30, 2027) and said the award funds 10 projects across the city, estimating the effort will add about 113 new beds and enhance services for about 67 existing beds. The presenter said roughly $8.1 million per year would be spent over the term. Several projects in the package are not bed expansions but invest in staffing, outreach and data systems, the presenter said.

The department characterized the item as time sensitive because state rules require obligating the funds promptly to remain eligible for additional awards. The committee had no public speakers on the item. Vice Chair Mendelmann thanked co‑sponsors and the department; Chair Chan and other supervisors asked clarifying questions about how many beds are tied to each project and whether non‑bed project funds were properly categorized.

The committee voted to move the item to the Board with a positive recommendation.