By Rachel Lampert
California is unhoused and homelessness programs are dealing with a major issue. These services are not receiving their money on time which is causing delays. Organizations in California including nonprofits are an essential part of combating these problems. Nonprofits provide food, clothes, pay rent for their clients, and basic needs in order to go about someone’s everyday life. They also pay their employers which has not been happening often. Marisa Kendall | CalMatters writes. “And it’s getting harder to ignore. With inflation driving up expenses and the growing homelessness crisis driving up need, some nonprofits have reached their breaking point.”
The way non-profits tend to work is by working and doing good not for financial gain. Donations are used to keep the non-profit organizations productive as well as active. Kendall also says. “ The nonprofits who provide these services told CalMatters that because city officials are trying to move quickly, they sometimes set up the program and start providing services immediately — even before a formal contract is signed. The nonprofit can’t get reimbursed for the services it’s already provided until that contract is finalized, which can take months.” Therefore these programs go through many stages and cause individuals to experience the following situations.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s website says he has helped develop a new plan to put in place which will help clear encampments. This plan is known as “Encampment Resolution Funds” or “(ERF.) The Governor’s website says. “…the program has invested $737 million for 109 projects throughout the state, helping 20,888 people transition out of homelessness. The $130.7 million in funding awarded today will go to 18 cities and counties and is projected to help an additional 3,364 people currently living in encampments and permanently house 1,565 people.” If you would like to learn more please contact the Division of Codes and Standards at (800) 952-8356.
References:
California Department of Housing and Community Development. (2024, October 4). Governor awards $130.7 million to help 18 California communities house people living in encampments. https://www.hcd.ca.gov/about-hcd/newsroom/governor-awards-1307-million-to-help-18-california-communities-house-people-living-encampments
Kendall, M. (2024, October 1). Late payments to nonprofits hamper California’s fight against homelessness. LAist. https://laist.com/news/housing-homelessness/late-payments-to-nonprofits-hamper-californias-fight-against-homelessness
Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. (2024, October 4). Governor Newsom awards $131 million to address homeless encampments with stricter accountability measures. State of California. https://www.gov.ca.gov/2024/10/04/governor-newsom-awards-131-million-to-clear-homeless-encampments-with-stricter-accountability-measures/