The “Good News Network” just shared an amazing story, which is especially heartwarming during today’s uncertain times. Beyond the recent coronavirus pandemic, California is facing a major homelessness crisis. To help give shelter to the homeless population, the state government stepped in.
“California Governor Gavin Newsom has turned over 286 state-owned buildings and properties at no cost in order to house citizens sleeping on the streets,” according to goodnewsnetwork.org.
What prompted the governor’s action? More than 150,000 of the state’s residents sleep in cars, shelters, or even on the street, according to calmatters.org. The majority of this homeless population don’t have any shelter at all, as shown in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development graphic below.
Another shocking statistic: 1 in 4 homeless Americans live in California. This means the state has the biggest proportion of homeless individuals.
“That means the state’s homeless population is far more visible than in other places and more vulnerable to the illness, violence, and death that accompany living on the street.” —Cal Matters
They type of buildings donated
The properties that Newsom donated to help fight homeless include government buildings, fairgrounds, undeveloped lots owned by the state, and armories. Since being elected governor in January 2019, Newsom has also implemented other initiatives to help the homeless due to the increasing homeless community in the state.
One critical measure he’s put in place was using mobile homes as emergency shelters for homeless individuals.
“Let’s call it what it is, a disgrace, that the richest state in the richest nation … is failing to properly house, heal, and humanely treat so many of its own people,” according to Newsom during his State of the State address on February 19.
Why is there so many people homeless in California?
What is causing such a high number of people to become homeless in California? Two major problems are the cost of housing and the cost of living in the state. Because of the lack of low-income housing, many people who have no family to turn to become homeless.
In response to the low-income housing issue, Newsom proposed new low-income housing funds to the tune of $750 million. According to the “Good News Network,” $1.6 billion has already been set aside for homeless projects and services.
The state will lease the properties to local governments for just $1, and $650 million has been set aside for State Emergency Homeless Aid, which will help build out each location. How each shelter takes shape will be up to each local government.
“The governor has made available a historic amount of resources, in addition to the money that naturally goes to cities and counties for homelessness and mental health resources.” —Jason Elliott, Newsom’s senior counselor on housing and homelessness, according to Cal Matters.
California tries to protect homeless population during coronavirus pandemic
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On March 18, Governor Newsom also signed an order to help protect homeless individuals as the novel coronavirus spreads throughout the state.
“People experiencing homelessness are among the most vulnerable to the spread of COVID-19. California is deploying massive resources to get these vulnerable residents safely into shelter, removing regulatory barriers and securing trailers and hotels to provide immediate housing options for those most at risk,” Newsom said, according to KRON4. “Helping these residents is critical to protecting public health, flattening the curve, and slowing the spread of COVID-19.”
The order provides for emergency funding, guidance for homeless shelters, new rules for local facility building, and adjusted guidelines for leasing property.
