The leader of California wants cities to stop people from sleeping outside in tents.

When he became governor in 2019, Gavin Newsom wanted to help people with no homes. Before, only city leaders worked on this problem. But Newsom used money to change old hotels into houses.

But he asked cities to help. On Monday, he showed words local governments can use to clear camps. Here is information:

What does the rule say about this?

People cannot camp in one place for a long time. Camps cannot block paths or public areas. Cities must tell people before moving a camp. They must also try to help people find a place to stay.

What do the people who run the city say?

Cities and counties in California say they are not the problem. They need money every year for roads. They do not need money only sometimes.

Carolyn Coleman said many cities want to help people who don't have homes. But they need money to build more houses and give help.

A group in California said the state did not give much money to help people without homes. They said half the money went to people who build houses.

What do people who help the homeless say?

It is hard for people to find a home and a job if they cannot stay in one place.

People can lose important papers or lose touch with someone helping them. Then, they must start again.

Jay lives in a small camp in Los Angeles and helps the people there. He believes the camp is a safe place for them.

What do cities in California do about people with no homes?

Big cities with Democratic mayors are stopping people from camping in public places. They say it is not good for health and safety.

In one city, the new leader wants clean streets. In another city, the leader wants to arrest people who say no to help three times.

Must cities and counties use it?

Newsom cannot make cities and towns say people cannot sleep outside.

But the state said it will give money to cities to help people with mental health problems and drug problems if the cities follow the new law about tents.

In 2022, he stopped $1 billion for cities. He said their plans for homeless people were not good enough.