How Gov. Newsom’s ‘model ordinance’ will affect the local homeless population

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Governor Gavin Newsom urged cities and counties to ban homeless encampments this Monday morning. Newsom presented a blueprint for a camping ban that cities and counties can adopt or modify. Gov. Newsom will also allocate $3.3 billion to address the crisis. 

“The needs for beds are overwhelming, but that is why we are so excited for this announcement,” Governor Newsom said. "Now it is about driving these projects to completion.”

In a virtual press conference Monday afternoon, Governor Newsom announced 54 counties in California will receive funds to tackle the state's homelessness crisis. 

The goal: to ban encampments on sidewalks and busy streets. 

“People need help and we need to help people,” said Monica Drome, who lives in Salinas. “l don't think that charging us more taxes is going to do that. There is enough money in this country to help with the mental health problem.”

The blueprint would prohibit encampments on streets and sidewalks, making laws easier for cities and counties to enforce. It would also use $3.3 billion in voter-approved funds. Between 2014 and 2019, the state of California saw an increase of 37,000 homeless people. Although this number continues to rise at the federal level, California has limited the increase to 3 percent by 2024, according to the state governor's data.

“We need a place where people can live, because finding a temporary shelter, a building, or temporary apartments, the issue is still there,” Drome adds.

Some with mixed feelings see the need for change, but are afraid of not finding a good solution. Others like Robert LePate, who says he is facing homelessness, fear not finding a bed in the local shelter.

“I'm hoping that the shelter has a bottom bunk for me because if not, then I'm going to be out in the streets tonight somewhere,” he said.  “That's going to be my worst nightmare.”

He says that resources should also help those who, like him, suffer from homelessness while also facing physical disabilities. KION reached out to the city of Salinas for their take on these ordinances. They say it is too early to speak of the effects this may have on the community.