California Governor Orders Removal of Homeless Encampments Following Supreme Court Decision

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state's initiative to remove homeless encampments after a Supreme Court decision upheld anti-camping laws. Newsom emphasized the urgency of addressing public health and safety concerns. Critics argue the move does not solve long-term homelessness issues, highlighting the need for more affordable housing.

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced that the state would commence the removal of homeless encampments following a recent Supreme Court decision supporting anti-camping laws, which penalize those living on the streets.

"It's time to move with urgency at the local level to clean up these sites, to focus on public health and focus on public safety. There are no longer any excuses," Newsom stated in a video posted on X, revealing the new order. California had 180,000 homeless individuals in 2023, more than any other U.S. state, with most sleeping outdoors, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The Supreme Court decision on June 28 reversed a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that deemed punishing people for sleeping outdoors unconstitutional when no shelter beds are available. As a result, some agencies and local governments hesitated to remove the encampments, fearing legal challenges, while others faced lawsuits after dismantling camps.

Governor Newsom directed state agencies to prioritize the removal of camps posing health and safety hazards. Agencies are required to provide at least 48 hours' notice to those affected, request social services for them, and store their belongings for at least 60 days. Since July 2021, California's transportation department has eliminated over 11,000 camps under similar policies.

However, Divya Shiv of Housing California criticized Newsom's move, arguing that affordable housing is the real solution. Citing a Rand study, she noted that cleanups in Los Angeles didn't reduce homelessness long-term as people returned after a month or two. "The question remains, where do they go if there isn't enough affordable and supportive housing?" Shiv challenged.

Newsom's administration reported moving 165,000 homeless individuals into temporary or permanent housing in fiscal year 2022-2023.