County Behavioral Health Agencies

BHBH Program Round 3: County Behavioral Health Agencies — Strategic Enhancements RFA

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is pleased to continue to partner with county behavioral health agencies in the implementation of the BHBH Program and to announce the release of the latest Request for Applications (RFA) for BHBH Program funding: County Behavioral Health Agencies — Strategic Enhancements. This third round of BHBH Program funding will provide $265,000,000 to county behavioral health agencies (BHAs) for use in the expanded implementation of bridge housing services for Californians experiencing homelessness who have serious behavioral health conditions (a serious mental illness and/or substance use disorder). Available maximum funding is based on county size.  

County BHAs that have a signed contract on or before April 10, 2024, are eligible to apply for BHBH Program Round 3 awards, and are invited to apply for Track 1: BHBH Program Operations or both Track 1 and Track 2: Start-Up Infrastructure.

Round 1 County Awards 

In Round 1, DHCS awarded more than $900 million to County BHAs; see the table below for information on those awards. County BHA funds will be used to provide support through bridge housing settings, including tiny homes, interim housing, rental assistance models, and assisted living settings. Funds will support necessary housing operational costs, as well as costs related to supporting participants’ housing stability, retention, and wellness. The bridge housing settings will include voluntary supportive services to help program participants obtain and maintain housing, manage symptoms of serious behavioral health conditions, and focus on recovery and wellness.