This week, the governor of California asked cities and counties in the state to stop people from camping on the streets. He also gave them example rules to help remove the tents that are in many parts of the state, like on streets, in parks, and near rivers.

Governor Gavin Newsom said that helping people without homes was very important for his government when he started in 2019. Before that, this problem was mainly for leaders in towns and cities. But Newsom gave money to change old hotels into homes and started other plans to help with the problem.

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

What information is included in the proposed plan?

Newsom's plan says people cannot camp in one place for a long time or block paths in public areas. Before removing a camp, cities must give a warning and try to find shelter for people.

What is the opinion of the local authorities?

Groups for cities and counties in California said they are not the problem for the streets. They said they need money regularly for projects that will last, not just money sometimes.

Carolyn Coleman, the head of the League of California Cities, said that 8 out of 10 cities have plans for homeless camps. But she said they need money to help with the main reasons people are homeless, like needing more homes.

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

What do people who help the homeless think?

Experts say that rules against homeless camps make it harder for people to find homes and jobs.

People might lose important papers or stop talking to a helpful worker, so they have to begin again from the start.

Jay Joshua resides in a small encampment in Los Angeles, where he also takes responsibility for its upkeep. He believes these encampments can provide a secure environment for their residents.

How are cities in California helping people who live on the street?

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 wants to arrest people if they say no to a place to stay three times.

Do cities and counties need to take it?

Newsom cannot make cities and areas stop people from camping in public places.

They also said they would give $3.3 billion to help people with mental health and drug problems. They might only give this money if states follow the new law about camps.

In 2022, he stopped 1 billion dollars of state money for local governments. He said their plans to help people without homes were not good enough.