Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 6, 2026, announced the groundbreaking of the Los Angeles County Care Community, a behavioral health campus that will transform six vacant buildings into a unified mental health and housing community providing 162 housing and treatment beds.
The Los Angeles County Care Community on the Metropolitan State Hospital Campus project in Norwalk is being designed and built by a team that includes GRG Architecture and NC Construction Inc. The project is a design-build contract facilitated by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Works.
The project is supported by a $65 million investment through the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act under Proposition 1. The effort advances Mental Health for All, California's initiative to build a stronger behavioral health system. This comes after Newsom announced $291 million in funding for housing and behavioral health services statewide.
"Californians voted for action to address our mental health crisis with Proposition 1 — and we're delivering. We're turning vacant buildings into places of care, adding treatment and housing beds, and helping people get off our streets and into the support they need.," Newsom said.
The campus will include:
• Two subacute psychiatric facilities (32 beds) funded by the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) for young adults ages 18–25 with significant mental health needs.
• A 70-bed interim housing facility with wraparound mental health services.
• Two permanent supportive housing buildings with 60 apartments for adults exiting homelessness.
• A shared community building for case management, wellness services, and onsite supports.
"Today marks a critical milestone in our commitment to transforming California's behavioral health system," said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson. "Through these investments, we are creating bold, community-driven solutions that expand access to care, promote equity and meet people where they are. These projects reflect our values and vision for a healthier, more compassionate California."
In 2024, Newsom signed SB 1336, allowing Los Angeles County to lease vacant buildings at Metropolitan State Hospital and clearing the way for this project.
"This project represents a long-term, 30-year investment in expanding treatment and recovery-focused care," said DHCS Community Services Division Chief Marlies Perez. "It ensures that this site continues to evolve with the community, offering support, stability and opportunity for the people who need it most."
The project also supports California's Path and Purpose initiative, which supports mental health, connection, and opportunity for young men and boys. One of the campus' secure subacute facilities will specifically serve young men ages 18-25. ♣
