Homeless advocates are cheering the news that California’s program for keeping homeless residents sheltered during the pandemic is going to be continued indefinitely.
Over the course of this year, Project Roomkey has secured thousands of hotel rooms to protect vulnerable homeless residents from the pandemic.
But all along, it’s been unclear just how long federal funding would continue for the program - a serious source of concern for many advocates.
“I was worried that many of these people would be left without shelter in the coldest months of the year,” said Andrea Urton, CEO for Homefirst Services, which has helped oversee some of the Roomkey sites in the South Bay.
Now, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that the federal government has extended funding for the program indefinitely, which is a major relief for Urton and others.
“From my perspective, this program has been a game changer for everything that’s been the pandemic,” she told KCBS Radio.
The extension also allows for more time to find permanent housing options, which is a goal that San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said should be a top priority. His city received Roomkey funding in November.
“We’ve got to ultimately build or renovate the housing we need for people to live permanently,” said the mayor.
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