California Governor Urges Clearing of Homeless Encampments, Releases $3.3 Billion for Housing and Services

Strategic Insights -

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday urged local governments to clear homeless encampments, escalating the state's efforts to address the growing crisis of people living on the streets. The announcement comes as the state is set to release $3.3 billion in voter-approved funds to expand housing and treatment options for homeless residents. The goal is to help municipalities establish effective enforcement procedures and prioritize shelter and services.

Key Takeaways:

  • The state will release $3.3 billion in voter-approved funds for housing and treatment options for homeless residents.
  • The funds are part of a voter-approved measure that requires counties to spend two-thirds of the money on mental health services and programs for homeless people with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse problems.
  • The model ordinance announced by the governor includes prohibitions on "persistent camping" in one location, a ban on encampments that block sidewalks, and a requirement for local officials to provide notice and offer shelter prior to clearing an encampment.
  • Over 187,000 Californians are in need of housing, and the state accounts for nearly a third of the homeless population in the United States.
  • Governor Newsom has also proposed laws that make it easier to force people with behavioral health issues into treatment.
  • A state audit in 2024 found that California spent $24 billion to tackle homelessness over the previous five years, but did not consistently track whether the spending improved the situation.

Statistics:

  • $3.3 billion: the amount of voter-approved funds to be released for housing and treatment options for homeless residents.
  • 187,000: the number of Californians in need of housing.
  • 30: the number of homeless and housing programs funded by California over the 2018-2023 fiscal years.
  • $24 billion: the amount spent by California over the previous five years to tackle homelessness.
  • Two-thirds: the portion of funds required to be spent on mental health services and programs for homeless people with serious mental illnesses or substance abuse problems.

Sources:

  • AP news wire
  • State auditor's report
  • Newsom's office press release