Five Year Anniversary of Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Housing Program

 

President and CEO of the Housing Authority, Douglas Guthrie, along with California State Senator,
Darrell Steinberg and others from Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and the Supportive
Housing Alliance came together at Villas at Gower to celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of the Mental
Health Services Act (MHSA) Housing Program.

 

The Mental Health Service Act (MHSA), Proposition 63, was approved by California voters in November
2004. The proposition provides increased funding, personnel and other resources to support county mental health programs and monitor progress toward statewide goal for children, transition age youth, adults, older adults and families. 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. President pro Tempore of the California State Senate Darrell Steinberg was a coauthor for the Mental  Health Service Act (MHSA).

 

The event celebrated the great work of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) under the leadership of Dr Marvin Southard, Maria Funk and Renee Turner.   DMH and Supportive Housing Alliance is responsible for providing homes to hundreds of people who might otherwise be on the streets. Over $80,000,000 of Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) Housing Program funding has been allocated to projects in the City of Los Angeles – an incredible commitment to this endeavor.  This funding provides capital and operating subsidy to the projects, as well as the necessary supportive services that enable clients to live successfully and independently in their units.  HACLA is a key partner though our contribution of rental subsidy.   This strategic partnership is a key component in bringing new units online and completing these projects.