Emily Cohen reviews California's Homelessness Housing Assistance Program round 6 in public session

The San Francisco City Commission convened on August 7, 2025, to discuss the Homelessness Housing Assistance and Prevention Program (HAP) Round 6, led by Emily Cohen from the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. The meeting aimed to gather community input as the city prepares its application for this round of funding.

Cohen outlined that HAP was established in 2019 through Assembly Bill 101, providing one-time flexible grants to enhance regional coordination and local capacity to combat homelessness across California. The latest round of funding, totaling $1 billion, was appropriated by the state legislature in the previous fiscal year. The primary goals of HAP 6 include preventing and reducing unsheltered homelessness, promoting interim and permanent housing solutions, and ensuring sustainability within the homelessness response system.

Over the past five years, the Department has managed multiple funding rounds, totaling $227 million, which have been crucial in expanding shelter capacity by 44% since 2018. Cohen highlighted that approximately $143.8 million has been allocated in recent years to support shelter operations and infrastructure development.

As the city prepares for HAP Round 6, community engagement is a key requirement. The Department has already conducted two input sessions and is eager to hear more from the public. The application process mandates that at least 50% of the funds be allocated to housing solutions, with a minimum of 10% designated for services aimed at transitional age youth.

Cohen emphasized the importance of aligning the HAP 6 action plan with the city’s broader homelessness strategy, known as "Home by the Bay," and the mayor's "Breaking the Cycle" initiative. These plans focus on expanding capacity, serving vulnerable populations, and sustaining existing programs.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing homelessness through collaborative efforts and strategic funding, aiming to create a more stable and effective response system for those in need.