SANTA CRUZ, CA — The cities of Santa Clara and Santa Cruz are being awarded nearly $25 million to create dozens of new homes in their communities, but with a particular focus on homeless youth.

Gov. Gavin Newsom made the announcement Friday. The two cities will receive $24.9 million to create 79 homes, adding to the more than 10,000 homeless housing units Newsom’s office said have already been created through the Homekey program.

Homekey is a $3.75 billion nation-leading program designed to create thousands of new homeless housing units through the purchase of hotels and other buildings.

Newsom said his $14 billion plan to confront and address California’s homelessness crisis will provide 55,000 new homeless housing units.

“The awards are a signal to our young people and families in need of assistance in these two cities that help is on the way,” Newsom said. “Our commitment continues to be to use every tool available to us to get Californians of all ages the housing and services they need. And Homekey continues to lead the way with targeted investments and innovation.”

“Resources derived from Homekey will be used to maximize safe, permanent, supportive housing and on-site services for our local veterans, students and families who are unsheltered in Santa Cruz County,” said Sen. John Laird. “Thank you to the Newsom administration and all those who have led efforts to provide affordable housing solutions in our city and county government along with the passionate advocates who are determined to make Santa Cruz County affordable for all.”