By Rachel Lampert
California is constantly looking for areas to grow. Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to branch out has been dealing with some trouble. Newsom has been a long-time supporter of finding outreach and resources that could better ensure the community. Last year in March of 2023, (West Coast stations and Q.E.D.) – Vanessa Rancaño and Sydney Johnson wrote. “Newsom’s latest push to address the state’s sprawling homelessness crisis also will provide nearly $1 billion to California cities to help them address unsheltered homelessness and encampments.” Aside from this, he planned to have a total of 1,200 homes that are on the smaller side. They are designed to house those dealing with being unhoused all over California.
Currently, only approximately 150 homes have been purchased, but as of right now, not one single person has moved in. People now in the following year of 2024 are feeling tired and frustrated with the recent situation. Irontown Modular’s General Manager – Kam Valgardson one of the six vendors supplying these homes says, “The big problem is that the homeless people aren’t getting served,”. “I can complain as a business, but these homeless people are getting no support, no relief. The money’s been promised, but something’s broken in the process, and nobody’s placing orders.”
These delays have continued to be ongoing and there is still work to be done. If you are interested in learning more contact Calmatters you could email them at info@calmatters.org or dial (916)-502-9986.
References:
CalMatters. (n.d.). Contact us.
Kendall, M. (2024, May 23). Newsom promised 1,200 tiny homes for unhoused Californians, but a year later none have opened. KQED.
Rancaño, V., & Johnson, S. (2023, March 16). Newsom will mobilize National Guard to deliver 1,200 tiny homes to address homelessness crisis. KQED.