Newsom Will Order California Officials to Remove Homeless Encampments

California Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered state officials to dismantle thousands of homeless encampments, marking a significant response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that allows local governments more authority to remove homeless individuals from public spaces. This directive comes as California grapples with a homelessness crisis, with an estimated 180,000 people homeless last year, many unsheltered. Newsom emphasized the need for humane removal of encampments, prioritizing those that pose health and safety risks. His executive order aims to guide cities and counties in enforcement, although he cannot compel them to act. The order also expands existing protocols used by the California Department of Transportation for clearing encampments along freeways, requiring advance notice and collaboration with local service providers to connect homeless individuals with housing and services.

The Supreme Court's ruling, which upheld an Oregon city's ban on outdoor sleeping, has sparked mixed reactions among local leaders. Some, like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, have criticized the ruling, while others, such as San Francisco Mayor London Breed, support aggressive enforcement. Critics argue that simply clearing encampments does not address the underlying issues of homelessness, which is exacerbated by California's affordable housing crisis. Experts warn that without adequate shelter options, the new measures may not effectively reduce homelessness and could lead to increased encampments. Newsom's administration has invested approximately $24 billion in homelessness initiatives since 2019, claiming to have helped over 165,000 individuals find housing.