California Takes Action on Homeless Encampments
Governor Gavin Newsom is set to make a significant move in addressing California’s homeless crisis. On Thursday, he will instruct state officials to begin clearing numerous homeless encampments across the state. This decision comes in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling, with Newsom emphasizing the need for “urgency and dignity” in the approach.
The executive order is expected to impact tens of thousands of individuals and represents the most extensive action taken nationwide following the June Supreme Court decision. This ruling granted local authorities increased power to remove homeless individuals from public spaces.
California has long struggled with the issue of homeless encampments, partly due to having some of the highest housing costs in the country. In 2023, the state reported approximately 180,000 individuals experiencing homelessness, the highest number in the nation. Of these, around 123,000 were without shelter on any given night.
Unlike some other major cities, such as New York, most areas in California do not provide a legal right to housing. This fact adds complexity to the situation as the state moves forward with its plan.
Governor Newsom’s directive will provide guidance to cities and counties throughout California on improving enforcement strategies related to this critical issue. Furthermore, the governor will require state agencies to go beyond simply relocating homeless individuals. These agencies will be tasked with collaborating with local governments to secure housing and provide necessary services, utilizing the billions of dollars the state has invested in these efforts.
This move represents a significant shift in California’s approach to addressing homelessness, balancing the need for public space management with the imperative to provide support and housing for those experiencing homelessness.
**Copyright Information:**
The Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
Website: gov.ca.gov
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Link to original article: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/25/us/newsom-homeless-california.html
