I am writing to you today as a resident of Mendocino County who is currently chronically homeless. I am one of the individuals represented in the 73% increase in chronic homelessness identified in the 2025 Point-in-Time count.
I am deeply concerned by the findings of the December 2025 State Audit, which revealed significant "insufficient documentation" and financial mismanagement within the county’s oversight of public funds. Specifically, I am writing to ask for accountability regarding the $5.3 million in state Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) funds.
According to recent reports, while the county has "obligated" most of this money, only $2.6 million—roughly half—has actually been spent to provide services. As someone living this reality every day, I find it unacceptable that millions of dollars meant for housing and outreach are sitting in accounts while:
The number of chronically homeless individuals continues to rise.
The Youth Emergency Shelter reported a 0% utilization rate.
The county is citing "staff capacity issues" as a reason to cancel the 2026 unsheltered count.
I am formally requesting answers to the following:
What is the specific timeline for the immediate release and spending of the remaining $2.5 million in HHAP funds?
What concrete steps are being taken to fix the documentation and oversight failures flagged by the State Auditor to ensure these funds reach the street?
How does the county plan to address the 73% spike in chronic homelessness if it does not intend to track the unsheltered population in 2026?
The lack of financial transparency and the slow pace of spending are not just "administrative issues"—they have a direct, daily impact on my life and the lives of hundreds of others. We deserve a system that is as urgent as the crisis we are living through.
Sincerely, Joelle Burgess
thank you have a nice day we would also like to know if we could get some help getting off the streets because it is 7° outside and we're literally sleeping on the sidewalk this was initially an email that I had sent to all of the board members but for some reason this email was blocked by all of them and returned to sender so I'd also like to understand why that happened as well thank you have a nice day