City of San Bernardino Receives $4.6 Million
to Address Homeless Encampments
Governor Gavin Newsom and the City of San Bernardino have announced that the City has been awarded a $4,569,511 Encampment Resolution grant from the California Department of Business, Consumer Services, and Housing to address homeless encampments in the City.
The project will span a critical 5.2-mile corridor along Waterman Avenue that contains encampments with approximately 200 homeless individuals. This area includes two state right-of-way areas, State Route 18 and Interstate 210, extending into areas such as maintenance tunnels of the freeway structure, pedestrian passageways, and surrounding neighborhoods.
“This new funding will get people out of tents and into housing across California,” said Governor Gavin Newsom, who announced the grants during a virtual press conference. “But it is not just about addressing homelessness. It is about taking back our parks and sidewalks.”
“I am thrilled that San Bernardino will be receiving nearly $4.6 million from Governor Newsom and the State of California to address encampments in our City,” said San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran. “This funding is a significant step forward to clean up Waterman Avenue and to provide essential support and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness in our city.”
This funding will provide permanent housing for 60 individuals and assist in securing interim housing placements for at least 40 unhoused individuals within the area along Waterman Avenue. Funds will also provide support services that may lead toward permanent housing.
The announcement by the Governor included a total of 20 projects in 17 California communities across the State.
“The one thing these 17 communities have in common is strong plans to meet the needs of its local unhoused,” said Department of Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Secretary Tomiquia Moss.
The Encampment Resolution Funding Program is a competitive grant program available to assist local jurisdictions ensure the wellness and safety of people experiencing homelessness in encampments. It is estimated that the projects funded by the awards announced today will provide services and support for nearly 3,600 individuals of which 2,200 will receive permanent housing. The grants will be administered by the California Interagency Council on Homelessness.