California, too, has implemented tougher anti-camping measures. This follows the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing local governments to impose criminal penalties on unhoused people who sleep outdoors when they have no other choice – such as no available shelter space. California’s Governor Gavin Newsom is doubling down on efforts to force local governments to take swift, decisive action against homelessness. This is taking place even as the state is grappling with the highest percentage of unsheltered people in the country.
Today, the state finds itself in the midst of a homelessness catastrophe, with upwards of 180,000 individuals living without homes. About 123,000 of these people live outside, underscoring just how dire this epidemic has become. Yet, as part of its successful response, the governor’s office noted that its strategy has removed more than 16,000 camps from cities across California. Its officials contend an “effective and scalable” strategy, showing the state’s commitment to continuing to fight the crisis.
As a result of this decision from the U.S. Supreme Court, Governor Newsom has told counties not to wait. If they don’t do enough encampment sweeps, the Commissioner said the state would withhold assistance. The governor’s office is the one joining forces with local leaders. Combined, they’re making progress toward implementing a model ordinance that provides legal clarity and pragmatic solutions to municipalities. The ordinance has provisions to ban persistent camping in certain areas and encampments from blocking public sidewalks.
Local officials will need to give notice and provide shelter alternatives prior to any encampment clearings. Newsom emphasized the urgency of this approach, stating, “There’s nothing compassionate about letting people die on the streets. Local leaders asked for resources – we delivered the largest state investment in history. They asked for legal clarity – the courts delivered.”
The national model ordinance is a thoughtful balance between enforcement and compassion. It gives local governments the freedom and flexibility to develop their own, flexible framework to address their priority needs. Newsom’s office recently announced a new initiative to help clear encampments. This new program will create pathways for them to access life-saving services, including emergency shelter, withdrawal management and drug treatment programs.
“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.” – Gavin Newsom
In response, the governor unveiled a tsunami $3.3 billion investment in new housing and drug treatment programs approved by the voters. This additional action demonstrates the state’s deep commitment to address homelessness through a holistic approach. Newsom’s administration is addressing public safety anxiety, but not in the way many would expect. They’re trying to minimize the dangers that encampments can bring, immersing people in an environment with increased violence, crime, and filth.