Homeless Task Force

The County of Tulare Homeless Task Force convened on June 18, 2026, to discuss updates and action items related to behavioral health services and housing interventions for individuals with serious mental illness (SMI). A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) funding allocations, including the requirement that 30% of the BHSA budget be dedicated to housing interventions, with 51% of that amount supporting chronically homeless individuals. The Task Force highlighted ongoing contracts and partnerships with community organizations to provide housing and intensive behavioral health services, including full service partnerships and assertive community treatment programs. The group also approved the cancellation of the July 15th meeting and discussed coordination efforts to improve outreach and engagement with the homeless population. No new contract awards or vendor selections were disclosed, but the discussion emphasized fiscal sustainability and the expansion of evidence-based practices within existing contracts.