Newsom launches task force to clear homeless encampments in LA and other cities

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced a new statewide task force that will prioritize clearing homeless encampments and expanding services in California's 10 largest cities, including Los Angeles.

The State Action for Facilitation on Encampments, or SAFE Task Force, will coordinate expertise and programs across state agencies to address encampments. The goal is to work with local governments to move people from the streets into temporary shelter and ultimately permanent housing, according to the governor's office.

"California has put in place a strong, comprehensive strategy for fighting the national homelessness and housing crises -- and is outperforming the nation as a result in turning this issue around," Newsom said in a statement.

"No one should live in a dangerous or unsanitary encampment, and we will continue our ongoing work to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home," he added.

The task force will begin operations within 30 days in areas such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Long Beach and Anaheim.

Newsom has issued multiple directives aimed at addressing encampments and holding local governments accountable. In May, he asked cities to make it illegal to camp in one place for more than three nights in a row. Last year, he ordered state agencies to ramp up encampment clearings, as reported by CalMatters. 

In 2024, following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which upheld local laws banning camping on public property, Newsom signed an executive order to clear encampments using a so-called "state-tested model."

The governor previously said he would rescind state funding for local municipalities that do not remove homeless encampments. Using an online tool, accountability.ca.gov, residents can comb through data points to track progress on homelessness, housing and behavior health.

Meanwhile, California voters approved Proposition 1 in March 2024, authorizing $6.4 billion in bonds to expand mental health and addiction services, build permanent supportive housing and help homeless veterans.

Newsom also launched the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court program, designed to place people with untreated schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses into housing and treatment. Initially expected to start in July 2022, CARE Court launched in October 2023 in seven counties after concerns about the timeline to create a new legal structure.

The SAFE Task Force is expected to implement and advance these initiatives with the following agencies:

• California Office of Emergency will be responsible for logistical coordination and procurement.
• Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency will oversee housing and homeless grants.
• California Interagency Council on Homelessness will offer guidance to local governments, coordinate supportive services, and facilitate cooperation with local agencies.
• California Health and Human Services will support and monitor locally-provided health care and behavior health support, as well as treatments funded by Prop 1.
• California Highway Patrol will provide support during encampment operations and monitor cleared areas.
• California State Transportation Agency will be directly responsible for clearing encampments located on state rights-of-ways.

According to Newsom's office, Caltrans reached an agreement with San Francisco this week that improves coordination with addressing encampments on state right-of-ways.

In July, a similar agreement was made with San Diego elected officials.

In response to experts comparing Newsom to Trump in his strategy on homeless encampments, the governor’s office rejected the comparison by saying the president’s strategy is “haphazard,” while the SAFE task force connects people with the help they need. 

Between 2014 and 2019, unsheltered homelessness in California increased by approximately 37,000 people.

Last year, while homelessness increased nationally by more than 18%, California limited its overall increase to 3%, a lower rate compared to 40 other states.

Newsom's office touted the state held the growth of unsheltered homelessness to just 0.45% compared to a national increase of nearly 7%. Florida, Texas, New York and Illinois experienced a larger homelessness increase.

Additional reporting by City News Service