Implementation of the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Housing Program - March 2008

Background

The passage of the Mental Health Services Act in November 2004, created the first opportunity in many years for the California Department of Mental Health (DMH) to provide increased funding, personnel and other resources to support county mental health programs. The Act addresses a broad continuum of prevention, early intervention and service needs and the necessary infrastructure, technology and training elements that will effectively support this system. The MHSA Housing Program component of the Act was signed into law in May 2006 - with the stated goal of creating 10,000 additional units of permanent supportive housing for this population. This is a collaborative program administered by the California Housing Finance Agency and the State Department of Mental Health. Developed in collaboration with the California Mental Health Directors Association and other stakeholders, this program is anticipated to receive MHSA funding for the next 20 years--if successful. Funding and program requirements were released in August 2007, and applications to the state are now being accepted. This program provides funding for permanent housing (shared or rental) to individuals who are eligible for MHSA services and meet eligibility criteria as homeless or "at risk" of becoming homeless. Counties are required to provide ongoing support services as well as authorize CalHFA to serve as the fiscal agent for these funds.

Planning

During the next few months, Contra Costa County will begin to implement the MHSA Housing Program. Contra Costa Mental Health initiated a partnership with the Community Development Department to plan and carry out the MHSA Housing program in Contra Costa County. The county has an initial 3-4 year funding distribution of $9,130,800, of which a maximum of $3,043,600 can be used for operating subsidies. The remainder of the funding must be used for new construction/renovation of permanent housing. A team of consultants has been hired to assist the county with this process. A stakeholder input process has been conducted which consisted of focus groups with mental health consumers, families of consumers and mental health service providers as well as a written survey for mental health consumers and their families

Next Steps

Present the results of the stakeholder input process to the Contra Costa Mental Health Commission and receive public comments.
See Stakeholder Recommendations.(49k PDF, 2pp.)
Circulate a notice of the County's intent to authorize CalHFA to administer Contra Costa County's allocation of MHSA Housing funds.
Develop and distribute a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) for nonprofit housing developers wishing to partner with the county in developing housing projects over the next 1-2 years.
Assist housing developers to pair with appropriate service providers and develop housing programs in accordance with local needs and priorities.
Review applications and collaborate with selected developers to ensure that applications are complete.
Post application tenant selection and service plans for required thirty-day public review and comment period.
Submit one or more project applications to the State for review and approval.

Content provided by Contra Costa County Mental Health Division of Contra Costa Health Services.