The Governor of California recently announced a significant allocation of millions of dollars of grant money toward homeless people.
According to Governor Gavin Newsom, this addresses the persistent issue of homeless encampments near CaliStatea roads.
The funding is nearly an impressive $600 million, much to homeless people’s delight. This intends to support local and state agencies in their efforts to clean up and address homelessness in the state.
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Therefore, the funds would be distributed into two important sectors. Approximately $300 million is for local jurisdictions. On the other hand, the remaining half goes to Caltrans, California’s Department of Transportation.
When they get the funds, Caltrans will utilize its share to conduct sweeps of homeless camps on state property. These include highways, bike paths, and parks.
Simultaneously, they will make efforts to assist the homeless individuals affected by these sweeps in finding alternative and more stable living arrangements.
During a news briefing, Governor Newsom expressed a sense of urgency and the need for action. “We’ve got to move. People are counting on us,” he stated. “The public has had it, they’re fed up, I’m fed up, we’re all fed up.” This announcement comes in the wake of escalating concerns about the visible impact of homelessness on CalifornStatepublic spaces and infrastructure.
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In recent times, the State has been grappling with a rising homelessness crisis due to the cost of housing. Therefore, various localities, including Alameda County and Los Angeles, have declared states of emergency.
As of 2022, California is home to approximately 30% of the nation’s homeless population, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. The issue has been a focal point of Newsom’s tenure, with the state having allocated over $20 billion toward housing and homelessness initiatives since he took office in 2019.
The latest grant funds are an extension of the governor’s ongoing efforts to address encampments. State’se, California has removed 5,679 encampments in the state right-of-way. The funds also add to the $414 million awarded from the state’s Encampment Resolution Fund. The administration established the fund in 2021, and it serves 66 countries.
The grant application process will be open to cities and counties until June 2024 or until the funds are exhausted.
Caltrans, which plays a crucial role in implementing these initiatives, also highlighted the collaborative nature of the effort. Alisa Becerra, Caltrans deputy division chief, emphasized, “The strength of this effort relies on collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to creating real solutions that help the people who need it most.”
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Governor Newsom also reiterated his commitment to combating homelessness, stating, “Since day one, combatting homelessness has been a top priority. Encampments are not safe for the people living in them or for community members around them.”
This multifaceted approach aims to address the immediate challenges posed by encampments and provide long-term solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.
As California navigates the complexities of homelessness, allocating these funds shows a concerted effort to tackle the issue comprehensively. It also reflects the governor’s commitment to creating a safer, more secure environment for all Californians.
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