SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom last week announced a new statewide task force to prioritize and remove encampments along state rights-of-way in California’s ten largest cities, while connecting people with services and shelter. The initiative, which the governor described as part of California’s ongoing strategies to reduce homelessness, is drawing praise by selected leaders across the state.
The task force, known as SAFE (State Action for Facilitation on Encampments), will coordinate state agencies with local governments to clear encampments and provide supportive services. Leaders from counties, cities, state agencies, and community organizations highlighted recent progress and voiced strong support for the new effort.
Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem Supervisor Hilda Solis said, “Homelessness across Los Angeles County has declined over the last two years, thanks to dedicated collaboration and investment from Governor Newsom. In Skid Row, which I represent, Encampment Resolution Fund grants from the State of California helped to move nearly 3,000 individuals into interim housing and over 1,600 into permanent housing, demonstrating what we can accomplish when we work together on our most pressing challenges. I applaud the Governor’s commitment to partner with local jurisdictions to ensure our unhoused communities receive the services needed to transition into stable housing. Together, we’ll continue reversing homelessness trends in California and improve the quality of life for all Angelenos.”…