California Housing & Homelessness Systems: A Behavioral Health Perspective

Comprehensive White Paper & Implementation Guide

California's housing and homelessness crisis continues to place unprecedented demands on behavioral health systems, community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and public agencies. As state and local leaders work to address homelessness through Housing First initiatives, supportive housing models, CalAIM, Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) investments, and cross-system collaboration, organizations must understand how housing and behavioral health intersect to create lasting outcomes.

This comprehensive white paper provides an in-depth examination of California's housing and homelessness landscape through a behavioral health lens. Designed for behavioral health professionals, healthcare leaders, policymakers, county agencies, nonprofit organizations, housing providers, and students, this resource explores the policies, programs, evidence-based practices, and system strategies shaping California's response to homelessness.

Topics Include:

• California's Housing and Homelessness Landscape

• Housing First Principles and Implementation

• Behavioral Health and Homelessness Intersections

• Permanent Supportive Housing Models

• CalAIM, Enhanced Care Management (ECM), and Community Supports

• Substance Use Disorders and Homelessness

• Trauma-Informed Approaches to Service Delivery

• Outreach and Engagement Strategies

• Cross-System Collaboration and Care Coordination

• Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Housing Investments

• Workforce Considerations and Organizational Capacity Building

• Emerging Trends and Policy Considerations

Who Should Download This Resource?

• Behavioral Health Providers

• County Behavioral Health Departments

• Community-Based Organizations

• Housing and Homeless Services Providers

• Healthcare Organizations

• Social Service Agencies

• Program Administrators and Supervisors

• Behavioral Health Students and Emerging Leaders

• Policymakers and Researchers

What You'll Gain

• A deeper understanding of California's housing and homelessness systems

• Practical strategies for program development and service integration

• Insight into current state policy initiatives and funding opportunities

• Tools for improving organizational readiness and cross-sector collaboration

• Evidence-informed approaches to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness

Whether you are developing new programs, expanding services, training staff, or seeking to better understand California's evolving housing and behavioral health systems, this white paper serves as an essential resource for informed decision-making and effective practice.

Digital Download | PDF Format
Published by the Behavioral Health Training & Policy Institute (BHTPI)