The California Department of Mental Health (DMH) has been awarded federal homeless funds annually since 1985, initially through the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Block Grant, and beginning in SFY 1991-92, through the McKinney Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) formula grant. The PATH grant funds community based outreach, mental health and substance abuse referral/treatment, case management and other support services, as well as a limited set of housing services for the homeless mentally ill. During SFY 2003-04, a total of 37 counties elected to participate in the PATH program. While local programs serve thousands of homeless persons with realignment funds and other local revenues, the PATH grant augments these programs by providing services to approximately 8,300 additional persons annually. Each county determines the use of PATH funds based on local priorities and needs. These targeted funds provide much needed services to an extremely vulnerable population throughout California.

In accordance with federal procedures, the DMH’s PATH and housing staff have developed guidelines that define the counties' responsibilities to clients who are homeless and have a mental illness. Counties receiving PATH funds must develop a service plan and budget annually for utilization of the funds. The service plan must describe each program setting and the services and activities to be provided. The estimated number of persons to be served must also be included in the plan. Each county that receives PATH funds has established one or more programs of outreach to, and/or services for, persons who are homeless and have a mental illness. Allowable services include:

In addition to demographic information, the PATH-funded programs also report outcomes relative to achievement of their objectives. The most fundamental goal for PATH programs is outreach and engagement to persons who would otherwise not receive services due to the combined conditions of homelessness and serious mental illness.

In an effort to improve and expand services to the homeless mentally ill, PATH staff participate in federal, State, and local groups involved in developing effective public policy related to the problem of homelessness. Other PATH staff responsibilities include providing information and education on the needs of persons who are homeless and have a mental illness, and serving as liaisons to State and local organizations.

For more information about California Department of Mental Health programs for adults, contact the DMH Adult and Older Adult Program Policy office at (916) 654-3001.