Golden State Today

Governor Newsom today issued an executive order directing state agencies to urgently address homeless encampments while respecting the dignity and safety of Californians experiencing homelessness. The Governor’s order, which follows the Supreme Court’s decision in Grants Pass, also urges local governments to use substantial funding provided by the state to take similar action.

Building on California’s ongoing work and unprecedented investments to address the decades-long issue of homelessness, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order today ordering state agencies and departments to adopt clear policies that urgently address homeless encampments while respecting the dignity and well-being of all Californians.

With the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v Johnson, local governments now have the tools and authority to address dangerous encampments and help provide those residing in encampments with the resources they need.

"Local governments now have the tools they need to address the decades-long issue of homelessness."

"Today, we are issuing an executive order that directs state agencies & urges locals to address encampments while connecting those living in them to housing & supportive services," tweeted California Governor (@CAgovernor) on July 25, 2024.

This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting individuals living in them — providing guidance for cities and counties to do the same. "The state has been hard at work addressing this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part," stated Governor Gavin Newsom.

Governor Newsom’s executive order directs state agencies and departments to adopt humane and dignified policies to urgently address encampments on state property, including taking necessary steps to notify and support people inhabiting these areas prior to removal.

Governor Newsom has made record-level investments totaling over $24 billion across multiple state agencies and departments. These funds include billions allocated for local jurisdictions providing services and wrap-around support for people living in encampments. In Fiscal Year 2022-2023, these investments helped lift more than 165,000 people out of homelessness into interim or permanent housing.

Governor Newsom's order directs state agencies and departments towards adopting policies consistent with Caltrans' existing encampment policy. Since July 2021, California has resolved more than 11,000 encampments, removing significant debris from these sites as part of Clean California projects. Prioritizing dangerous encampments that threaten community health or safety, Caltrans provides advance notice before clearance operations begin, collaborates with local service providers for support during relocations, and stores personal property collected from sites for at least 60 days.

The executive order encourages local governments to emulate this successful model by adopting similar policies using available resources from historic state investments in housing programs.

Governor Newsom also urged local governments to apply for $3.3 billion in competitive grant funding from Proposition 1 aimed at expanding behavioral health services specifically targeting individuals with severe mental health conditions or substance use disorders who are vulnerable or homeless.

Proposition 1 includes a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond dedicated towards treatment settings combined with historic reforms under BHSA focusing on serious illnesses requiring urgent care interventions alongside housing needs solutions facilitated through projected annual revenues amounting up-to $950 million outlined within newly released guidelines published earlier this month (July).

Since taking office Governor Newsom initiated comprehensive statewide action plans focused upon preventing ending widespread instances surrounding Californian Homelessness crises demanding greater accountability via coordinated regional efforts implementing pioneering national reforms coupled together deploying upwards beyond twenty-four billion dollars directed primarily towards supporting various initiatives designed reducing eradicating chronic homelessness issues affecting numerous communities statewide inclusive allocations designated Homeless Housing Assistance Prevention Grant programs Encampment Resolution Funding rapid expansion Homekey project aims rapidly increase availability affordable accommodations amidst growing challenges faced combating endemic societal problems confronting public welfare concerns impacting quality life residents alike

A copy of today’s executive order can be found here.