California Governor Newsom Takes Strong Stance on Homelessness
Redirecting Funds for Change
Governor Gavin Newsom of California has announced a pivotal plan to redress the issue of homelessness by redirecting funds from cities and counties that fail to show measurable progress in addressing the crisis.
Involved in the Effort
This statement follows his active participation in the recent clearance of a homeless encampment in Los Angeles, working alongside the state’s Department of Transportation.
Executive Order and Local Government Responsibility
In July, Newsom issued an executive order compelling state agencies to remove homeless encampments from state properties and encouraged local governments to adopt similar practices. This order emerged in the wake of a US Supreme Court ruling that backed an Oregon city that penalized homeless individuals for sleeping outdoors.
Calls for Action
During a recent address, Newsom issued sharp criticism towards local jurisdictions for their inadequate efforts, despite the “unprecedented resources” allocated by the state.
“No more excuses. You’ve got the money, the flexibility, the green light, and the public is demanding results,” Newsom asserted with clear frustration. “I’m here on behalf of 40 million Californians that are fed up.”
California’s Homelessness Statistics
California is grappling with the highest homeless population in the United States, with over 180,000 individuals reported among the nationwide estimate of 653,000, as per a 2023 HUD report.
Pushing Back Against Citations
Newsom’s comments surfaced amid local resistance to the notion of penalizing individuals in homeless encampments. Recently, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously decided against using county jails to hold homeless individuals arrested during the dismantling of encampments.
Emphasizing Support and Resources
Responding to the legacy of penal policies, Newsom emphasized that his executive order focuses on collaborating with local service providers to extend resources to those in need, without resorting to penal measures.
“The rhetoric has grown stale. This is not about criminalization. What’s criminal is neglecting those who are struggling and suffering,” he stated.
A Broader Call for Accountability
The governor clarified that his remarks about local inaction were not aimed specifically at the city of Los Angeles or its mayor, Karen Bass. Instead, he highlighted a more expansive call for counties to elevate their efforts in addressing homelessness.
“This isn’t a political topic; it’s a deeply held belief that local governments must rise to the occasion. This crisis warrants immediate action,” he asserted.
What’s Next?
The statewide redirection of funds could commence in January, aligning with the formulation of the state’s budget proposals, potentially marking a significant shift in the approach towards homelessness in California.
