SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — This week, the Governor of California urged the state's cities and counties to prohibit homeless encampments, offering model legislation to facilitate the removal of tents occupying streets, parks, and waterways across extensive areas of the state.

Upon assuming office in 2019, Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom elevated homelessness to a paramount concern of his administration. Previously, this issue had largely fallen under the purview of mayors and other local officials; however, Newsom channeled substantial funding into transforming disused motels into residential units and spearheaded further initiatives aimed at ameliorating the situation.

Nonetheless, he has consistently urged urban and regional authorities to fulfill their responsibilities, and on Monday, he presented preliminary wording that local governments could implement to dismantle encampments.

Could you elaborate on the provisions outlined within the exemplary ordinance?

Newsom's plan includes rules against staying in one place for a long time and camps blocking paths and public areas. It requires cities and counties to give notice and try their best to find and offer shelter before removing a camp.

What is the stance of local authorities on this matter?

Groups representing California's cities and counties disagreed with the idea that they are responsible for the condition of the streets. They said they need regular, long-term funding for lasting projects, not occasional, one-time money.

According to Carolyn Coleman, executive director and CEO of the League of California Cities, while the vast majority of cities have implemented policies to manage encampments, they require financial resources to tackle the fundamental drivers of homelessness, such as expanding housing availability.

The California State Association of Counties contends the state has not furnished the full extent of funds claimed for addressing homelessness, asserting that fifty per cent of these resources have been channelled towards housing developers.

According to proponents for the homeless, what is the prevailing perspective?

Research indicates that prohibiting encampments and imposing other punitive actions further impede individuals' efforts to secure stable accommodation and employment, according to Alex Visotzky of the National Alliance to End Homelessness.

Individuals may misplace vital documentation or become disconnected from a reliable case manager, necessitating a complete restart of their process.

In Los Angeles, Jay Joshua oversees a modest encampment where he also resides, asserting that such communities can provide a secure environment for their inhabitants.

How are Californian municipalities addressing the issue of encampments?

Principal urban centers led by Democratic mayors have initiated concerted efforts to dismantle encampments, citing the inherent risks they pose to public health and safety.

In San Francisco, the recently appointed mayor, Daniel Lurie, pledged to improve the cleanliness of the city's sidewalks, while in San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan suggested arresting individuals who decline offers of shelter on three separate occasions.

Are municipalities and counties obligated to endorse it?

Newsom lacks the authority to compel cities and counties to implement a ban on encampments.

However, the suggested legislation regarding encampments was linked with an announcement of $3.3 billion in grant funding for facilities addressing mental health and substance abuse issues, implying he might make state funding dependent on adherence.

In 2022, he suspended $1 billion in state funding for local authorities, asserting that their strategies to address homelessness were inadequate.