January 8, 2026

One-Time Prop 1 Investments Demonstrate Potential of Investment in Housing and Behavioral Health Treatment, but There’s More Work to be Done to End Homelessness

For Immediate Release 
January 8, 2026
Contact: Katie Orr 
Phone: 619-209-1532
Email: Katie@paschalroth.com

Sacramento, CA – The County Behavioral Health Directors Association (CBHDA) released the following statement from CBHDA Executive Director Michelle Doty Cabrera on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2026 State of the State address:

“County behavioral health leaders are proud of the gains California has made in addressing the state’s homelessness crisis as outlined in the Governor’s final State of the State. Our members worked diligently to submit proposals and launch construction projects for both treatment facilities and housing in record time. For individuals who live at the intersection of housing instability, homelessness, and significant behavioral health needs, these investments will absolutely change and save lives. We want to emphasize this success as an example of what is possible when the state invests in counties. We deliver. 

While these one-time bricks and mortar investments are promising, the one billion in funding for ongoing housing subsidies under Proposition 1 comes at the expense of redirected mental health treatment and prevention programs. With declining eligibility for Medi-Cal due to federal and state budget changes, counties are concerned about how these gains will be sustained.

California must build upon the success of its bond-funded expansion in capacity and continue to expand access to affordable housing while at the same time expand investments in ongoing subsidies for low-income Californians, especially for those with disabling behavioral health conditions without redirecting those resources from vitally needed mental health services and supports.”

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The County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California (CBHDA) is a nonprofit advocacy association representing the behavioral health directors from each of California’s 58 counties, as well as two cities (Berkeley and Tri-City). 

 The California State Association of Counties (CSAC) is the voice of California’s 58 counties.