California’s efforts to address its homelessness crisis, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, have faced scrutiny regarding their effectiveness. Despite significant state spending and various initiatives, data indicates an increase in family and student homelessness in certain areas.
Story Highlights
- Governor Newsom’s 2021 commitment to end family homelessness within five years has been met with rising numbers in family and student homelessness.
- California continues to account for a substantial portion of the nation’s homeless population, even with considerable state investment and the establishment of multiple task forces.
- The “Housing First” strategy, which prioritizes housing placement without mandatory treatment for underlying issues, has been a central component of the state’s approach.
- The SAFE Task Force, launched in August 2025, aims to coordinate encampment clearings and accelerate care, representing the latest in a series of state initiatives.
Broken Promises and Rising Homelessness Among Families
Governor Newsom initiated his term in 2019 with a focus on resolving California’s homelessness crisis. In 2021, he specifically pledged to eradicate family homelessness within five years, supported by state funding. However, recent data suggests an increase in family and student homelessness over the past year. While some progress has been reported in counties such as San Bernardino and San Diego, the overall situation for families and children remains a concern.
The “Housing First” Approach
California adopted the “Housing First” model in 2016, aligning with federal guidelines from 2013. This strategy emphasizes providing permanent housing to homeless individuals without mandatory requirements for addressing issues like addiction, mental illness, or criminal behavior. Between 2017 and 2021, California experienced a 34% increase in overall homelessness and a 47% rise among the unsheltered population. Critics, including former program leaders, have questioned the efficacy of “Housing First” when not integrated with treatment and accountability measures.
“In my 20 years of seeing homeless people in the emergency room, I can’t think of more than two or three times when that person didn’t test positive for drugs and alcohol.”@MayorBillWells sets the record straight on why Newsom’s “Housing First” ideology is FAILING the homeless. pic.twitter.com/SSTUfg9mUh
— steve hilton (@SteveHiltonx) October 17, 2025
Task Forces and Encampment Clearances
In August 2025, Governor Newsom introduced the SAFE Task Force, designed to streamline encampment removals and enhance care provision. This initiative follows a series of executive orders and task forces aimed at addressing homelessness. Organizations like the National Alliance to End Homelessness have cautioned that forced encampment removals, without adequate housing and support services, can sometimes exacerbate the problem by displacing individuals without resolving core issues. Local governments are often tasked with implementing these state-mandated actions, which can lead to resource and strategy challenges.
Financial Investment and Crisis Progression
California taxpayers have contributed billions of dollars to homelessness programs during Governor Newsom’s tenure. Despite this, the state continues to have the largest homeless population in the United States. In July 2025, Newsom stated that California was “turning the tide” on homelessness, citing specific data from a limited number of counties. However, independent analyses indicate an intensifying crisis for families and students.
Perspectives on Solutions: Accountability and Treatment
A different perspective suggests that effective homelessness policy should incorporate requirements for individuals to address addiction and mental health issues as conditions for long-term assistance. This viewpoint posits that homelessness is often a symptom of deeper behavioral health crises, substance abuse, and individual choices, rather than solely a housing problem. States and cities that have reported reductions in homelessness have often combined shelter with treatment programs, job training, and accountability standards.
Watch the report: VDH: Gavin Newsom Abandons Californians for 2028 White House Delusions
Sources:
Governor Newsom Announces Local Progress in Reducing Homelessness
Governor Newsom Convenes Statewide Task Force to Prioritize and Dismantle Homeless Encampments and Accelerate Care
Gov. Newsom Launches New Task Force to Clear California Homeless Encampments
Gov. Newsom’s Broken Promise on Homelessness
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Next Step in Tackling California’s Homelessness Problem
