Housing and Disability Advocacy Program
The Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP) was established in 2016 to assist people experiencing or at risk of homelessness who are likely eligible for disability benefits by providing advocacy for disability benefits as well as housing supports.
HDAP has four core requirements: outreach, case management, disability benefits advocacy, and housing assistance. Housing-related financial assistance and wraparound supportive services provided by HDAP include but are not limited to: interim shelter assistance, rental assistance, housing navigation, case management, security deposits, utility payments, moving costs, legal services, and credit repair.
As of Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24, fifty-six (56) counties and 17 tribal agencies participating in HDAP and each program is tailored to meet the needs of the local community. More information about participating HDAP grantees is available in County Fiscal Letter (CFL) 23/24-57.
Eligibility/For Whom
HDAP targets individuals who are experiencing homelessness and who are likely eligible for disability benefits. For HDAP, the CDSS defines “chronically homeless” and “homeless” according to the definitions used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and defined in 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) section 91.5. Amongst those who are eligible, funded programs should prioritize individuals or families who are experiencing chronic homelessness or homelessness and rely most heavily on government-funded services. For more information about program eligibility, please review All County Letter (ACL) No. 19-104 and All County Welfare Directors Letter dated September 13, 2021.
Program Funding
The 2017-18 California State Budget Act included an appropriation of $45 million, available over three years beginning July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020. In FY 2019-20 HDAP was established as an ongoing program with an annual appropriation of $25 million. The program required a dollar-for-dollar grantee match.
The Budget Act of 2021 appropriated $175 million for HDAP over multiple years inclusive of $150 million in one-time, match-exempt funds in addition to the ongoing, annual appropriation of $25 million with a dollar-for-dollar match requirement.
The Budget Act of 2022 appropriated an additional $175 million for HDAP over multiple years inclusive of $150 million in one-time, match-exempt funds in addition to the ongoing, annual appropriation of $25 million with a dollar-for-dollar match requirement.
The Budget Act of 2023 appropriated $25 million for HDAP, over two years, with a dollar-for-dollar match requirement.
How to Apply
The Housing and Disability Advocacy Program is administered locally. Look up your County Point of Contact for more information or contact the CDSS Housing and Homelessness Division to learn more about how to connect with your local program.