CA AB2479

Clarifies that state departments or agencies may fund recovery housing programs that emphasize abstinence and substance use-specific services, as long as the state program dedicates at least 75% of funds to housing or housing-based services using a harm-reduction model.

Requires applicants for recovery housing funding to demonstrate engagement with people with lived experience of homelessness and substance use through documented meetings before receiving funding.

Mandates that state programs ensure recovery housing programs achieve housing retention rates similar to harm-reduction programs and that participation in recovery programs is self-initiated.

Establishes that recovery housing must comply with Housing First core components including low barrier entry, tenant rights to a lease, and prohibition of eviction solely for substance use or relapse without community impact.

Requires recovery housing programs to provide assistance accessing harm-reduction housing if tenants no longer wish to participate in the recovery-focused model or face eviction risk.