County backs Homekey Plus application for campus‑style veterans village in French Camp

San Joaquin County will pursue state Homekey Plus funding to build a campus‑style veterans housing village in French Camp, county and partner representatives told the Board of Supervisors.

Wellness Group representatives, joined by county housing and health staff, said the proposed development would sit near the San Joaquin General Hospital and regional veterans’ clinics and provide housing and supportive services for veterans who are homeless, chronically homeless or at risk. "We are applying for this set of funding...to build a campus style veterans village in French Camp," a project representative said.

The presentation said the California Department of Housing and Community Development along with the California Department of Veterans Affairs announced a competitive Homekey Plus round created to build housing for people experiencing homelessness. The application would designate the Veteran Services Office as the lead applicant and partner with Wellness Group for project delivery.

The board moved the consent item authorizing the Veteran Services Office to apply for and, if awarded, accept $38,500,000 of Homekey Plus funds. The motion carried without dissent.

County leaders cautioned that the county sometimes receives multiple grant proposals that compete for similar state resources and said they would evaluate partnerships and coordination before final commitments. If awarded, staff said the county would work with community partners to minimize overlap and ensure the project can be completed and operated sustainably.