Newsom’s Efforts to Address Homelessness
Introduction to the Issue
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday again urged California cities and counties to ban homeless encampments, increasing his pressure campaign on local governments to follow the state’s lead and remove tents from sidewalks and other public property.
The Governor’s Statement
“There’s nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets,” Newsom said in a statement. “Local leaders asked for resources — we delivered the largest state investment in history. They asked for legal clarity — the courts delivered. Now, we’re giving them a model they can put to work immediately, with urgency and with humanity, to resolve encampments and connect people to shelter, housing, and care. The time for inaction is over. There are no more excuses.”
The Proposed Solution
The Democratic governor released a model ordinance for local governments to adopt that his office described as a starting point before jurisdictions craft their own policies. Newsom’s plan asks locals to prohibit persistent camping in one location and encampments that block sidewalks. It also requires local officials to attempt to offer shelter before removing a temporary dwelling.
Funding for Homelessness Initiatives
Newsom coupled the announcement with the release Monday of $3.3 billion in funding from Proposition 1, approved by voters in 2024, for communities to expand behavioral health housing and treatment options for their mentally ill and homeless populations. The funding is not contingent on cities banning encampments.
Previous Efforts and Challenges
The funding adds to $27 billion the state has already given to local governments to address homelessness, a challenging political issue in California. Advocates for the homeless repeatedly argue that the state does not have enough supportive housing and shelter beds to funnel those removed from tents and sidewalks into better conditions. The governor often voices his frustration over the lack of progress at the local level, casting homelessness as a humanitarian crisis and a health and safety issue. Last year Newsom issued an executive order requiring state agencies to remove homeless encampments on state property and similarly urged local governments to do the same.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Governor Newsom’s push for cities to ban homeless camps is part of a broader effort to address the complex issue of homelessness in California. By providing a model ordinance and significant funding, the state aims to support local governments in their efforts to provide shelter, housing, and care to those in need. However, the success of these initiatives will depend on the ability of local governments to implement effective solutions and provide adequate resources to support the homeless population.
FAQs
What is the main goal of Governor Newsom’s proposal?
The main goal is to ban homeless encampments in California cities and counties, while providing shelter, housing, and care to those in need.
How much funding has the state provided to address homelessness?
The state has provided $27 billion to local governments to address homelessness, with an additional $3.3 billion released from Proposition 1.
What is the model ordinance proposed by Governor Newsom?
The model ordinance prohibits persistent camping in one location and encampments that block sidewalks, and requires local officials to attempt to offer shelter before removing a temporary dwelling.
What are the challenges faced by local governments in addressing homelessness?
Local governments face challenges in providing enough supportive housing and shelter beds to accommodate those removed from tents and sidewalks, as well as addressing the root causes of homelessness.
How can individuals support efforts to address homelessness?
Individuals can support efforts to address homelessness by advocating for policies that provide affordable housing, mental health services, and job training programs, and by volunteering with organizations that serve the homeless population.
