Governor Newsom Unveils Ambitious Plans for California’s Homelessness Crisis, Prison Reform, and Healthcare

This past week, Governor Gavin Newsom took action to tackle major issues the state of California has been facing for years. Homelessness had always been a key problem and recent studies quoted by the LA Times found significant increases in the major hotspots, including skid row.

By Philtrina Farquharson | Contributing Writer

This past week, Governor Gavin Newsom took action to tackle major issues the state of California has been facing for years. Homelessness had always been a key problem and recent studies quoted by the LA Times found significant increases in the major hotspots, including skid row. 

Newsom spoke to local media on Wednesday to announce his plan for $1 Billion in funding to launch the state’s largest mobilization of small homes. According to the governor’s office, the funding will be used to create more than 7,500 new housing units across the state. The investment will also be used to provide services such as mental health and addiction treatment to those in need.

The governor’s announcement was welcomed by advocates for the homeless. “This investment will make a real difference in the lives of thousands of people who are experiencing homelessness,” said Maria Foscarinis, executive director of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty. “It’s a step in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go to solve this crisis.”

The announcement came just one day after the governor visited San Quentin State Prison to announce a transformation plan for the facility. The plan calls for the closure of the prison’s death row unit and the conversion of the facility into a center for rehabilitation and education.

The plan is part of a broader effort to reform California’s criminal justice system. The state has been grappling with overcrowded prisons and a high rate of recidivism for years.

The governor also shared on Friday that the state will provide insulin at no cost to low-income Californians who need it. The program, called CalRx, will provide up to 30 days of insulin for free to those who qualify. The program is designed to help those who are struggling to afford their medications. “No one should have to choose between paying for their medications and putting food on the table,” said Governor Newsom.

Lastly, Governor Newsom proposed a modernization plan for California’s behavioral health system. The plan calls for increased funding for mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as the construction of new housing for those with mental illness.

“We need to make sure that everyone who needs mental health care has access to it.”

said Rusty Selix, executive director of the California Council of Community Mental Health Agencies. 

Overall, Governor Newsom’s announcements represent a significant investment in California’s most vulnerable communities. From tackling homelessness to reforming the criminal justice system to improving access to health care, the governor is taking bold action to build the state for a promising future.