First round of California 'Project Homekey' grants sent out; project aims to fund homeless housing

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday said the state will start award Project Homekey grants to local governments to house homeless people.

That's about $76.5 million out of $600 million to be awarded. That money will go to build 579 units at 10 projects in seven jurisdictions across the state. Those jurisdictions are: Tahoe, Lake Elsinore, El Centro, Mendocino, Kern County and San Jose.

RELATED: Gov. Newsom attempts to fix California's 'failure' to address homelessness with buying motel rooms

Newsom gave San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo a special shoutout during his news conference, saying he had worked well as a leader to get the housing project underway. 

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Before the coronavirus pandemic and wildfire situation, alleviating the homeless crisis in California had been Newsom's top priority. 

This story was reported from Oakland, Calif.