“California has put in place a robust, complete technique for combating the nationwide homelessness and housing crises — and is outperforming the nation consequently in turning this subject round,” Newsom mentioned in an announcement. “Nobody ought to dwell in a harmful or unsanitary encampment, and we’ll proceed our ongoing work to make sure that everybody has a secure place to name dwelling.”
Dubbed the State Motion for Facilitation on Encampments Activity Drive, Newsom’s new group will embrace representatives from six completely different state companies and departments, every with a unique position to play in eradicating an encampment:
- The California Freeway Patrol will probably be liable for offering public security assist throughout a removing, and later for monitoring the realm to forestall the encampment from returning.
- The Workplace of Emergency Providers will oversee logistics and procurement of sources.
- The Division of Housing and Group Improvement will probably be in command of offering housing and supportive providers for the individuals residing in encampments.
- The Interagency Council on Homelessness will information native governments on learn how to assist these individuals.
- Well being and Human Providers will assist native governments’ efforts to supply well being care to individuals in encampments.
- Caltrans will do the precise work of clearing encampments.
It’s too quickly to inform precisely how this new directive will change the state’s response to homeless encampments, mentioned Alex Visotzky, senior California coverage fellow for the Nationwide Alliance to Finish Homelessness. The language within the information launch despatched out by Newsom’s workplace had few particular particulars about how the duty power will perform. Newsom’s workplace didn’t reply to a request for an interview.
However the one confirmed technique to resolve an encampment is to maneuver individuals into housing and join them with the opposite providers they want, Visotzky mentioned.
“My hope is that the duty power will ensure we’re understanding the wants of residents of these encampments,” he mentioned, “and what boundaries they’re dealing with to getting again into housing, if we’re going to see outcomes.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass applauded the brand new activity power on Friday.
“Homeless encampments, particles and graffiti positioned on highways and freeways are below state jurisdiction,” she mentioned in an announcement. “I’m glad that the Governor is constant motion to collaborate with native efforts. Los Angeles has bucked nationwide traits of accelerating homelessness and Governor Newsom’s announcement of a activity power at this time will assist hold that momentum.”
