“emphasis on urgency” regarding the encampments. “He rightfully points out that local government remains at the helm of homeless encampment removals,” Barger stated. “Cities have an obligation to develop housing and shelter solutions in tandem with support services provided by county government. This formula, which is largely based on partnerships, is how we can deliver permanent results.” Since taking office in 2019, Newsom said he has invested more than $24 billion toward addressing the homelessness crisis in the state, including allocating $4.85 billion for homeless, housing assistance and prevention grants for local governments. “The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets,” Newsom added. “There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part.” The grant funding for cities and counties was announced July 17, with an application deadline of Dec. 13, 2024. The decision of how and whether to ban homeless encampments has long been controversial. A day after Newsom’s executive order, the National Alliance to End Homelessness, a Washington, D.C.-based charity organization, sharply criticized the approach, calling it a “deeply flawed model.” “The blanket order to clear encampments without addressing the immediate and long-term needs of their residents will displace thousands and increase their risk of harm,” the organization’s CEO Ann Oliva said in a statement.“It will also hinder the progress of California’s deeply under-resourced providers who are working day and night to rehouse the state’s unsheltered population.” Kathryn Barger, a board of supervisors member in Los Angeles County, where the unhoused population exceeds 75,300, issued a statement lauding Newsom’s 14 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
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