Context:

Governor Gavin Newsom has intensified efforts to address homelessness in California by urging local governments to clear encampments and offering $3.3 billion in funds for housing and treatment. Newsom's administration has provided a model ordinance to standardize how cities handle encampments, emphasizing the need for notice and shelter options before clearing sites. Major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have already begun removing encampments, driven by concerns for public access and safety. Critics argue that punitive measures do not effectively reduce homelessness and may undermine efforts to connect individuals with stable housing. Despite significant funding allocated over recent years, a state audit revealed California lacks reliable data to assess the impact of these initiatives on homelessness reduction.

Dive Deeper:

• Governor Gavin Newsom is calling for the elimination of homeless encampments across California, a step up in his long-term commitment to tackle homelessness, with the introduction of a model ordinance for local governments to adopt.

• A $3.3 billion fund, approved by voters, is allocated to expand housing and treatment options, aiming to address the needs of over 187,000 homeless Californians, highlighting the urgency of the issue as a major public health and safety concern.

• The model ordinance includes prohibitions on persistent camping and encampments that block public spaces, with a requirement for local authorities to offer shelter before clearing encampments, allowing cities to tailor the law to their needs.

• Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have started clearing encampments, citing fairness to vulnerable populations and increased shelter capacity, although challenges such as budget constraints and natural disasters pose further difficulties.

• Criticism arises from advocates who argue that enforcement-focused policies may disrupt efforts to provide stable housing and employment, potentially leading to lost documents and disconnection from case managers.

• The 2024 measure mandates counties to allocate funds from a 2004 millionaire tax primarily for housing and drug treatment for the homeless, with Newsom advocating for laws to compel treatment for those with behavioral health issues.

• Despite California's substantial financial commitment to homelessness, a state audit reports a lack of consistent data tracking to evaluate the effectiveness of these investments, questioning the tangible impact of the funds spent over the past five years.