The Mental Health Services ACT (MHSA) Housing Program embodies both the individual and system goals of the MHSA through a unique collaboration among California government agencies at the state and local level. Managed through San Diego County, the California Housing Agency (CalHFA) was allocated $33 million for a new housing program under which MHSA funds have been made available to finance the costs associated with development, acquisition, construction, and/or rehabilitation of permanent supportive housing for individuals with mental illness and their families.
In 2009, San Diego County Behavioral Health Services (BHS), working in tandem with CSH projected the $33 million could create 241 units of MHSA housing in the San Diego region.
As of this writing, there are currently 12 developments operating in the San Diego region which contain 185 MHSA Housing Program units which have been recognized as high quality projects and have won local, national and international awards, including the ULI International Award for Excellence.
Additionally, three projects are currently under construction which will offer an additional 56 MHSA Housing Program units…totaling exactly 241 units!
San Diego County BHS and CSH are reviewing potential projects which may be eligible for funding, utilizing the remaining MHSA Housing Program Funds.
Stay tuned for future San Diego MHSA Housing “Pipeline” developments!