In a candid interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News, California Governor Gavin Newsom conceded that his administration has yet to make significant headway in addressing the state's escalating homelessness problem. Hannity questioned Newsom about the pervasive issue of tent cities, rampant crime, and open drug use that have become commonplace across California.
Newsom attributed the lack of progress to the high cost of housing, complex regulations, and resistance from local communities against new housing construction. He also pointed to the long-standing nature of the problem, stating that he "can't make up" for the historical numbers of homeless individuals present even before his tenure.
Hannity highlighted the stark contrast between California's homeless population, exceeding 170,000, and Florida's, which stands at approximately 26,000, despite similar climates. Newsom acknowledged the disparity, calling California's situation "disgraceful" while accepting responsibility for the issue.
California accounts for half of the nation's unsheltered homeless population, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, totaling over 171,521 individuals. Furthermore, a third of the entire homeless population in the United States resides in California.
Newsom has championed expanding social safety nets to combat the crisis, including a "Housing First" policy that prioritizes providing housing without preconditions like sobriety or mandatory treatment. This approach has drawn criticism, with some arguing that it's an ineffective use of taxpayer money and that innovative solutions are needed.
Newsom recently requested federal funding for a "transitional rent" program to provide up to six months of rent or temporary housing for low-income individuals enrolled in the state's healthcare safety net. In another recent development, California and San Diego allocated $157 million to purchase hotels for homeless housing, amounting to over $400,000 per unit.
Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference in Sacramento, California, March 16, 2023. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Homeless tents are seen near the City Hall of San Francisco on Aug. 29, 2022. (Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
A woman appears to be defecating in a bus shelter in San Francisco, April 14, 2023. (Flight Risk for Fox News Digital)
A person sleeps on the streets of San Francisco, April 15, 2023. (Flight Risk for Fox News Digital)
