Kern Health System (KHS) has secured more than $19 million of state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) incentive funds to address housing and homelessness issues in Kern County. Through an optional state subsidized program under the CalAIM Housing & Homelessness Incentive Program (HHIP), these non-Medi-Cal incentive funds were awarded to organizations across

Kern County who were able to present a comprehensive, outcomes-based plan that addresses key contributing factors the unhoused and medically vulnerable individuals in the community face. KHS, which administers Medi-Cal benefits, is responsible for over 350,000 low-income members.

“Through this investment, Kern Health Systems, in collaboration with provider and community-based organization partners, will work toward becoming a key partner in the creation of a coordinated and unified regional response to prevent and reduce homelessness. By addressing the basic housing needs of our membership, we will also be improving the health and wellbeing of our most vulnerable members and our community,” says Emily Duran, Chief Executive Officer of Kern Health Systems.