April 9, 2024
Kathryn Eckert
County of Monterey
Behavioral Health Bureau Chief / Behavioral Health Director 1270 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906
Re: Support for Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Round 3 Application Dear Katy:
The City of Salinas is writing in support of the County of Monterey’s State of California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Strategic Enhancements (Round 3) application. The requested BHBH funding is much needed to help a highly vulnerable group of unhoused individuals secure the services and the supports they need to transition to permanent housing. Approximately 50% of the people experiencing homelessness in Monterey County are in the City of Salinas, so this project will help meet an urgent need for expanded interim housing inventory in our community.
Over the past several years, the City of Salinas has prioritized expanding the supply of non-congregate housing to meet the needs of people who are unhoused in our community. This includes the SHARE Center, Chinatown Navigation Center Sprung Shelter, and the Emergency Motel Program. However, long wait lists attest to the community needs for additional emergency, transitional and affordable housing. Just this month, the City closed escrow on the acquisition of the El Rey Motel, a 26-unit property on West Market Street, with the intention to convert the property to permanent supportive housing.
We are delighted to partner with Monterey County Behavioral Health in your application to DHCS to secure funding through BHBH Round 3 for funds for renovation of the El Rey property and for operating funding through June 30, 2027. This application leverages $3,644,000 in funding from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) that the City utilized for the acquisition of the property.
The City enthusiastically supports this proposal and hope the State will look favorably on this request.
Sincerely,
Kimbley Craig
Mayor