Last week, California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered state agencies to remove homeless encampments from public property following the Supreme Court's decision in Grants Pass v Johnson which gives local authorities the tools to address dangerous encampments and help provide those residing in encampments with the resources they need.
The executive order requires state agencies, such as the California State Parks department and Cal Trans, to prioritize clearing encampments that pose the greatest safety risks and directs them to provide notice and to connect people living in the encampments with service providers that can help them store their belongings for at least 60 days.
"This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting the individuals living in them — and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same. The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part." - Governor Gavin Newsom
According to federal data, California has the largest homeless population in the U.S., at over 181,000 homeless, and accounts for one third of the U.S.'s homeless population. According to Governor Newsom's office, it has poured $24 billion across several state agencies, into cleaning up streets and finding housing for people.
