Governor Gavin Newsom of California has called on local governments to take action in clearing homeless encampments, addressing the visible crisis of individuals living on the streets. The state has introduced a new model ordinance for counties, cities, and towns, in conjunction with $3.3 billion in funds aimed at expanding housing and treatment options for the homeless. The objective is to assist municipalities in creating regulations around encampments that prioritize shelter and services, aiming to mitigate public safety risks and unsanitary conditions associated with encampments.
Voters in 2024 approved a measure that mandates counties to allocate funds for housing and drug treatment programs to combat homelessness, with a focus on individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues. Key components of the model ordinance unveiled include restrictions on prolonged camping in one area, a ban on encampments obstructing sidewalks, and a mandate for local officials to provide notice and shelter options before dismantling encampments. California accounts for a significant portion of the national homeless population, with over 187,000 individuals lacking housing.
Homelessness has emerged as a persistent challenge in California, with tent-lined streets impacting communities statewide. Governor Newsom has advocated for policies facilitating the involuntary treatment of individuals with behavioral health issues. A state audit revealed that despite substantial expenditures on homeless and housing programs, the state lacked consistent data to evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives. This underscores the ongoing complexity of addressing homelessness in California.
