Bill > AB722

This bill establishes the Reentry Housing and Workforce Development Program to address housing and employment challenges for people with recent histories of incarceration. The program will provide grants to counties, community-based organizations, and continuums of care to offer innovative housing and workforce development services to individuals who are currently experiencing homelessness or are likely to become homeless upon release from prison. Key provisions include creating a competitive grant process for applicants, requiring recipients to use funds for long-term rental assistance, interim housing, landlord incentives, and evidence-based services to help participants access and maintain permanent housing and employment. The bill emphasizes a Housing First approach, ensuring participants have voluntary services and choice in housing and support services. Recipients must submit annual reports detailing participant outcomes, including housing stability, employment, and recidivism rates. The Department of Housing and Community Development will hire an independent evaluator to assess the program's effectiveness and submit a comprehensive analysis to the Legislature by February 1, 2029. The program aims to reduce homelessness and recidivism by providing comprehensive support to formerly incarcerated individuals, with a particular focus on addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB722