This week, the governor of California asked cities and counties to stop homeless people from setting up camps in public places. He also gave them ideas on how to remove the tents.

When Governor Newsom became the leader in 2019, he decided that helping people without homes was very important. Before that, it was mostly a problem that city leaders tried to fix. But Governor Newsom gave money to change old hotels into houses and started new plans to help with the problem.

But he has often asked cities and areas to help. On Monday, he showed a plan that local governments can use to clear homeless camps. Here is what you should know:

What information is included in the model ordinance?

Newsom's plan says people cannot camp for a long time in one place, or block streets and public areas. Before moving people, cities and towns must tell them and try to find them a place to stay.

What are the opinions of the local governments?

Groups for California's cities and counties said it's not their fault the streets are bad. They said they need regular money for projects that last a long time, not just money sometimes.

Carolyn Coleman, who leads the League of California Cities, said that 8 out of 10 cities have plans for homeless camps. But they need money to help with the main problems that cause homelessness, like not having enough homes.

A group in California said the state did not give as much money for homelessness as it promised. They also said that half of the money was given to companies that build houses.

What do people who help the homeless think?

Studies show that stopping people from camping in public places and punishing them makes it harder for them to find a home and a job, said Alex Visotzky from a group that works to end homelessness.

People might lose important papers or lose touch with their case manager, so they have to start again.

Jay Joshua lives in a small camp in Los Angeles and also helps manage it. He believes these camps can offer a secure environment for their residents.

What are cities in California doing to help people without homes?

Big cities with Democratic mayors have started to remove homeless camps. They say these camps are bad for people's health and safety.

In San Francisco, the new mayor, Daniel Lurie, said he wants to make the city sidewalks clean. In San Jose, Mayor Matt Mahan said people could be arrested if they don't take help three times.

Are cities and regions required to implement it?

Newsom cannot make cities and counties ban homeless camps.

But the plan for new rules about camping came with news of a lot of money, $3.3 billion. This money is for places that help people with mental health or drug problems. This means he might only give state money if cities follow the new rules.

In 2022, he stopped giving 1 billion dollars of state money to local governments. He said their plans to help homeless people were not good enough.