California Gov. Gavin Newsom's Homelessness Plan Draws Heat

California Governor Gavin Newsom is under fire from mental health advocates for his plan to tackle the state’s homelessness issue.

Newsom’s March Ambition

Newsom is rallying support for Proposition 1 in the upcoming March 5 ballot.

This measure seeks to overhaul the state’s long-standing Mental Health Services Act, originally funded by a millionaire’s tax in California to support mental health services.

Shifting Billions

Currently, the $2 billion to $3 billion generated annually gives counties flexibility in funding programs. However, Newsom proposes redirecting 60 percent of these funds towards housing and services for homeless individuals with serious mental health issues.

Is the Plan Counterproductive?

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This move has drawn criticism from various mental health groups, who argue it’s an expensive shift that could cut into local budgets for existing services.

Skepticism Over Housing Approach

“Everyone agrees that we need more resources for housing,” stated Joe Wilson of Hospitality House in San Francisco to KTLA, questioning the efficacy of the proposed method.

“Is this the best way to do it? We don’t believe so,” he expressed.

181,000 Homeless

In California, nearly one-third of the nation’s homeless reside, with about 181,000 homeless statewide and up to 75,000 in Los Angeles County alone, based on 2023 data.

Homeless and Unwell

A UC San Francisco survey revealed that about two-thirds of California’s homeless suffer from mental health disorders, yet only 18% receive treatment.

Vision for Proposition 1

Governor Newsom, who developed Proposition 1 last year, believes it will provide crucial care and enhanced mental health services to the most vulnerable homeless Californians.

The $10 Million Campaign

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Having raised $10 million in support of the ballot measure, Newsom views it as a key component of his broader plan to increase supportive housing for the homeless in California.

Strong Opposition

Opponents of Proposition 1 caution that it could reroute substantial funds from current programs dependent on state support. They fear that the ballot measure’s proposed changes would enhance housing and bed availability at the cost of other homeless services.

20 Years of Progress at Stake?

Clare Cortright, policy director at Cal Voices, expressed in a Cal Matters op-ed that “Prop. 1 wipes out what this community has fought for and accomplished over the last 20 years.”

Concern from County Officials

Referencing an August letter by several California county officials against Newsom’s reforms, Cortright highlighted the potential of Proposition 1 to necessitate cuts in essential mental health services like outpatient treatment, crisis services, and peer support, which are vital for high-risk clients.

Involuntary Treatment

Critics have also raised concerns that the proposition might increase the number of beds in locked psychiatric units, potentially leading to involuntary treatment and negative impacts on individuals.

Effective or Not?

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Shaya French from San Francisco Senior & Disability Action expressed to ABC7 concerns about Proposition 1, fearing it could lead to involuntary treatment, which is ineffective if individuals aren’t ready for it.

More Harm Than Good?

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Similarly, Mark Salazar of the Mental Health Association of San Francisco told KTLA he strongly opposes the measure, citing studies that show forced treatment often doesn’t end well.

Debt Concerns

The Hoover Institution also warned that Newsom’s proposal might exacerbate California’s debt. Lee Ohanian, a senior fellow at the institution, argued in a post that while the state must increase treatment facilities, Proposition 1 isn’t the right approach.

Self-Responsibility

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Ohanian advocated for self-responsibility among beneficiaries, cost reduction in building facilities, local government involvement, and avoiding further debt, given the state’s ample $300 billion budget.

“There is no need to push California further into debt,” he remarked.

Taxing Rich for Health

In 2004, Californian voters passed a law taxing millionaires to fund mental health services, generating $2 to $3 billion annually. This revenue has largely been distributed to counties for mental health programs under flexible guidelines.

One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Proposition 1 mandates that counties allocate 60% of these funds to housing and services for homeless individuals with serious mental health or substance abuse issues. This uniform requirement would affect all counties equally, regardless of their homeless population size.

Rural vs. Urban

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While San Francisco Mayor London Breed backs the measure, officials in rural counties like Butte, with a significantly smaller homeless population, have raised concerns.