California awards nearly $30 million in housing funds to tribes

Lia Russell, The Sacramento Bee on Jun 24, 2026

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

The state Department of Housing and Community Development announced Wednesday it will award nearly $30 million to indigenous communities across the state to reduce homelessness and build housing.

Some 68 communities will receive $28.5 million via the state Tribal Homeless, Housing Assistance and Prevention program to “implement unique, culturally responsive interventions” among Native residents experiencing homelessness and housing instability.

A list of which federally recognized tribes will receive the funds was not immediately available Wednesday morning.

Acting Chairwoman Angela Elliott Santos of the Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation said the funds would allow her tribe to provide “safe” and “culturally supportive” interim shelter for homeless people.

“We are grateful to the California Department of Housing and Community Development for investing in Tribal-led solutions that advance Tribal sovereignty and empower Tribes to meet the unique needs of their communities,” she said.

“Tribal communities know their people, their histories, and their challenges best,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “This government-to-government approach is designed to respect tribal sovereignty while addressing historic inequities and supporting efforts to reduce homelessness and help more Californians move off the streets and into safe, stable housing.”

The Kashia Band of Pomo Indians of the Stewarts Point Rancheria will receive another $9.7 million to finance an affordable housing project in Windsor.

That money will come from Proposition 1, a bond voters passed in 2024 to finance mental health and housing solutions.

_____