Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Monday a new state website aimed at tracking funds to combat homelessness and showing how each county is doing to combat homelessness, housing, and behavioral health needs.
The website also shows which counties comply with the state’s expectations of these needs.
In Los Angeles County, the website shows Artesia, Carson, Commerce, Compton, Hidden Hills, Irwindale, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, Palos Verdes Estates, San Marino, Vernon, West Covina, and Norwalk are “out of compliance.”
“No one in our nation should be without a place to call home. As we continue to support our communities in addressing homelessness, we expect fast results, not excuses. While we are pleased by the progress many communities have made to address the homelessness crisis, there is more work to do,” Newsom said in a statement.
In addition to the new website, Newsom also announced $118.7 million in funding for communities to address encampments, creating new shelters and support. Los Angeles will also receive three separate grants totaling $56.4 million to address three encampments near the 10 freeway, Hollywood Boulevard, and the LA River.
Last July, Newsom signed an executive order, which, among other things, allowed state and local officials to dismantle homeless encampments.
The executive order was issued in response to a Supreme Court decision in late June that granted officials authority to remove the encampments and ticket people for camping in public in Grants Pass, Oregon. While some city leaders applauded the executive order, others, like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, called the decision “unfortunate” at the time.
While Newsom cannot force local authorities to act, his administration can apply pressure by withholding money for counties and cities.
