Executive Order N-1-24 Aims to Resolve Homeless Crisis with Urgency and Compassion
In response to the recent ruling by the Supreme Court on outdoor homeless encampments, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Thursday mandating the immediate cleanup of the state’s streets and the removal of homeless encampments. The executive order, titled Executive Order N-1-24, underscores the urgency of the situation and outlines an approach to tackle the issue and keep California in .
A Crisis Decades in the Making
California’s homelessness crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with over 180,000 people estimated to have experienced homelessness on any given night in 2023. Of these, 123,000 individuals faced unsheltered homelessness, living in tents, trailers, and vehicles scattered across the state. This situation, decades in the making, has prompted the state to take bold and immediate action.
Unprecedented Investments
Governor Newsom’s administration has invested over $24 billion across multiple agencies and departments, but many wonder how effective the use of funds has been, since the problem has only grown worse. Investments include $4.85 billion in flexible funding to local jurisdictions through Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention grants, $1 billion in Encampment Resolution Funding, and $3.3 billion for rapid housing expansion through the Homekey initiative.
Urgent Measures
The executive order highlights the state’s compliance with the recent Supreme Court ruling making it illegal to camp outdoors. Dangerous encampments, which expose individuals to extreme weather, fires, predatory activities, and substance abuse, pose severe risks to health and safety. They also threaten the well-being of nearby businesses and neighborhoods and compromise the cleanliness and usability of public spaces.
Governor Newsom emphasized the need for state and local agencies to have the necessary tools and guidance to address the crisis on the streets. Legal challenges have previously hindered efforts to remove encampments, but a recent Supreme Court decision in June 2024 has clarified that state and local officials can take reasonable actions to resolve encampments while respecting the humanity of all Californians.
The Executive Order
Effective immediately, Executive Order N-1-24 mandates that:
- State Agencies and Departments: Policies will be adopted to address encampments on state property, prioritizing those that pose imminent threats to life, health, safety, or infrastructure.
- Site assessments will be conducted in advance of removal operations.
- Advance notice will be provided to vacate encampments.
- Outreach services will be requested for individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Personal property collected during removals will be stored for at least 60 days.
- Local Governments: Encouraged to adopt similar policies and utilize state-provided resources to humanely remove encampments, prioritizing those that most threaten life, health, and safety.
- California Interagency Council on Homelessness: Will develop guidance and provide technical assistance to local governments for implementing their homelessness programs.
A Path Forward
Governor Newsom’s executive order represents a significant step towards cleaning up California’s cities and encouraging the homeless to get the help they need in a recovery program. By mandating the cleanup of streets and the humane removal of encampments, the state aims to protect the health and safety of its residents and restore the usability of public spaces. This order not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the groundwork for long-term solutions to address the homeless epidemic in California.
