Now that the Supreme Court has granted cities more power to ban sleeping outside, homeless Californians face a crucial decision: Try to get into a shelter, or risk going to jail. Those able to find a shelter bed will step into a world rife with reports of violence, theft, health hazards — and a lack of accountability. Public records obtained by CalMatters show that most cities and counties have seemingly ignored a recent state law that aimed to reform dangerous conditions in shelters.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday had a message for local governments: clean up homeless encampments now or lose out on state funding next year.
Standing in front of a cleared homeless encampment in Los Angeles, Newsom vowed to start taking state funding away from cities and counties that are not doing enough to move people out of encampments and into shelter. The governor joined the California Department of Transportation, known as Caltrans, on Thursday to clear several encampment sites in the area.
“I want to see results,” Newsom told reporters at a news conference. “I don’t want to read about them. I don’t want to see the data. I want to see it.”
Thursday’s announcement was part of Newsom's escalating campaign to push local governments into doing more homeless encampment sweeps. Newsom last month ordered state agencies to start clearing encampments on state land. He also pressured local government to do the same, though he cannot legally force them to act.
In 2023, the homelessness response system worked diligently to reduce homelessness. Evidence of its effectiveness includes:
GCC Cares: Intake form or refer student by email; helps with GoPass for free Metro, food market, and referral to housing (Ascencia is the local housing support organization)
Showers for students: Available in VAQ Gym locker rooms, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Daytime sleeping:
GCC Health Center has beds during open hours, Located first floor of the San Rafael Bldg., across from the Auditorium.
Nap Pods (30 minutes or less): The Library 4th Level, The Learning Commons, CASA Center Administration Building 247
GCC Library: First come, first serve laptops, ipads, and calculators. Third and fourth level of library have free computer use and WiFi during open hours.
LAPL Tech2Go Bundles: Computer and hotspots available at first come, first serve to card holders. Nearest branches are Echo Park, Cypress Park, Lincoln Heights, Central Downtown, or Chinatown. Best way is to place a hold and they will contact when available.
LA County Library LTE Chromebook: Computer devices available at first come, first serve to card holders. Hotspots are also available. Nearest branch is in East Los. Best way is to place a hold and they will contact when available.
For general resources, see GCC Helpfinder.
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