CA AB1816

Establishes the Reentry Housing and Workforce Development Program within the Department of Housing and Community Development to provide grants for housing, services, and employment interventions for people with recent incarceration histories experiencing homelessness.

Requires the department to award 5-year renewable contracts to counties, community-based organizations, and continuums of care that meet specified criteria including Housing First principles, evidence-based services, and workforce development experience.

Allocates at least 10-20 percent of program funds to community-based organizations providing innovative reentry housing led by people with lived incarceration experience, with at least 25 percent of staff having lived experience of incarceration.

Requires funded recipients to provide long-term rental assistance, interim housing, operating subsidies, landlord incentives, and services including housing navigation, tenancy support, employment services, and pre-release planning for eligible participants.

Mandates annual reporting by recipients and requires the department to hire an independent evaluator to assess outcomes including housing stability, recidivism, and employment placement, with results submitted to the Legislature by February 1, 2026.