CA AB344

Establishes the New Beginnings California Program in the Department of Community Services and Development to provide matching grants up to $50,000 annually to cities and local continuum of care programs for homeless employment programs.

Limits program to a maximum of 50 grants awarded annually and requires eligible programs to connect homeless individuals with work, pay at least minimum wage, and assist unprepared individuals with services to enable future employment.

Creates the New Beginnings California Account in the State Treasury to fund grants, with recipients required to match state funds through charitable contributions or other grant funding.

Defines "city" to include cities, counties, or city and county combinations, and incorporates the Health and Safety Code definition of "supportive housing."

Program becomes operative only upon appropriation of funds in the annual Budget Act.