California Launches Statewide Task Force to Address Homelessness

Strategic Insights -

California's Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of a statewide task force aimed at addressing the homelessness crisis in the state's ten largest cities. The California State Action for Facilitation on Encampments (SAFE) Task Force will target encampments on state rights-of-way, providing shelter and social services to individuals residing there. This initiative builds on the Governor's previous efforts to address the homelessness and housing crises, including a new draft ordinance for local governments and an executive order directing encampment cleanups.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SAFE Task Force brings together expertise and programs from across state agencies to target encampments, with a focus on emergency management, social services, health care, substance use support, resource and land management, and public safety.
  • The task force will prioritize encampments on state rights-of-way in California's ten largest cities and assist in finding suitable shelter options for individuals residing there.
  • The Governor has set a strong expectation for all local governments to address encampments in their communities and help connect people with support.
  • Since July 2021, Caltrans has removed more than 18,000 encampments along the state right-of-way and collected approximately 334,440 cubic yards of litter and debris.
  • The task force is made up of state agencies responsible for delivering key components of the Governor's strategies, including the California Office of Emergency Services, Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, California Interagency Council on Homelessness, California Health and Human Services, California Highway Patrol, and California State Transportation Agency.

Statistics:

  • Over 18,000 encampments have been removed from state rights-of-way since July 2021.
  • Approximately 334,440 cubic yards of litter and debris have been collected along state rights-of-way since July 2021.
  • The equivalent of 11,950 garbage trucks has filled with litter and debris collected along state rights-of-way since July 2021.

Sources:

  • Office of the Governor of California. "Governor Newsom Announces Statewide Task Force to Address Homelessness." (no date)
  • Office of the Governor of California. "Governor Newsom Files Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Recognize State and Local Authority to Clear Encampments." (no date)
  • California Department of Transportation. "Caltrans Removes Thousands of Encampments, Increases Recycling and Waste Reduction Efforts." July 2021.