California Governor Gavin Newsom and Caltrans Launch Major Effort to Clear Homeless Encampments from State Roads
A new initiative has been launched by California Governor Gavin Newsom in collaboration with Caltrans to clear homeless encampments from state roads. According to Caltrans, the homeless camps located along roadways and under bridges pose significant safety risks for both the individuals living in them and the general public.
Alisa Becerra, a spokesperson for Caltrans, highlighted the various dangers associated with these encampments, including risks to infrastructure, staff, first responders, and members of the traveling public. In response to these challenges, the state has approved an additional $299 million in funding to support the effort to alleviate homelessness.
The funds will be distributed as grants to local cities and counties in an effort to provide people living on the streets with shelter and access to resources. Becerra emphasized the goal of the initiative, stating that the hope is for individuals found sheltering along state roadways to be moved into housing, effectively providing them with a path to a better future.
The areas that will qualify for the new encampment enforcement efforts include any piece of land used for transportation purposes, such as bike paths, park and rides, and highways. Homeless advocate Bob Erlenbusch stressed the importance of providing relief to those living under bridges and freeways, particularly in harsh weather conditions, where the lack of shelter can lead to fatalities.
According to Caltrans, more than 5,000 encampments have already been cleared, and the governor’s new funding initiative aims to get at least 10,000 people off the streets. Governor Newsom, in announcing the new efforts, echoed the public’s frustration with the homelessness crisis and emphasized the urgent need for action.
With the launch of this major effort, Governor Newsom and Caltrans are taking significant steps to address the pressing issue of homelessness in California and to improve the safety and well-being of those affected by it.
