Advocates for the homeless in California are increasingly concerned as cities impose more restrictions on where people without homes can sleep outside. This comes in response to Governor Gavin Newsom’s order for stricter enforcement of laws against homeless encampments.
Newsom’s directive follows a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows cities to fine or arrest homeless individuals for sleeping in public areas, even if no shelter is available. Critics, like Jennifer Friedenbach from the Coalition on Homelessness in San Francisco, argue that these measures only worsen the situation and traumatize people.
California has over 180,000 homeless individuals, making up nearly a third of the U.S. homeless population. Many of these people live outdoors, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
While previous rules protected homeless people from arrest if no shelter was available, new policies in cities like San Francisco and San Marcos allow police to enforce sleeping bans without first offering shelter.
Homeless individuals living in tents along highways and underpasses are especially vulnerable to these new rules. Shayla Myers from the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles notes that the increasing complexity of these regulations makes it harder for people to find safe places to stay.
In Venice, Dani Rodriguez, who lived in a tent before moving into an RV, expresses deep concern about the new enforcement measures. She worries about the fear and uncertainty homeless people face.
Despite spending over $24 billion on homelessness and mental health services, California still lacks sufficient resources to address the crisis effectively. Some officials believe that stricter enforcement of anti-camping laws is necessary alongside increased funding.
Sacramento and San Jose are intensifying enforcement efforts, but Mayor Darrell Steinberg of Sacramento emphasizes the need for both compassion and additional resources. San Jose plans to add 1,000 new shelter spots by 2024.
Other cities are also considering tougher restrictions. Fresno, for example, is looking to increase fines for camping violations, while San Marcos has implemented a new ban on public camping.
Los Angeles, which has focused on temporary hotel shelters, plans to continue offering temporary housing without strictly adhering to Newsom’s enforcement directive. However, officials remain concerned about the impacts of state-wide sweeps.
San Diego has been moving homeless individuals to designated campsites, but outreach workers in smaller towns like San Marcos face challenges due to the lack of local shelters or sanctioned campsites.
As enforcement measures grow, advocates worry about the future for homeless individuals and the adequacy of available resources.