Governor Gavin Newsom’s State Action for Facilitation on Encampments (SAFE) Task Force conducted its first operation in southern California, working with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and local partners to clear a longstanding encampment near the 110 freeway. The operation provided shelter and supportive services to dozens of people before state agencies removed the encampment and approximately 340 cubic yards of debris.
The SAFE Task Force is part of California’s broader strategy to address homelessness by targeting encampments, especially those located on state rights-of-way in the state’s ten largest cities. The task force brings together resources from multiple state agencies, focusing on emergency management, social services, health care, substance use support, resource management, and public safety. Its efforts are coordinated with local governments to ensure individuals receive shelter and social services.
Governor Newsom said, “No one should live in a dangerous or unsanitary encampment, and we will continue our ongoing work to ensure that everyone has a safe place to call home. We stand strongest when we stand together — today, we are proud to work with our partners in Los Angeles to pair urgency with dignity and get people the help they need and deserve. California has built a strong system to address homelessness, and it is helping us turn this nationwide crisis around.”
Mayor Karen Bass added, “We are seeing real results in LA – with street homelessness declining two years in a row – and partnerships like this only continue that momentum. Together, we will end this humanitarian crisis.”
The recent operation began with outreach efforts on September 19. By September 23, city and county teams had delivered social services to about 40 people at the site. All residents accepted shelter and support through coordination between the SAFE Task Force and Mayor Bass’ Inside Safe Program. Caltrans then cleared debris and hazardous waste from the area while also installing landscaping and fencing as mitigation measures.
At a nearby resource fair held during the operation, former encampment residents were connected with healthcare services as well as new identification cards from the California Department of Motor Vehicles—a requirement for accessing housing assistance.
California has seen reductions in unsheltered homelessness across major communities due to these comprehensive strategies. Initial reports indicate an almost 8% drop in unsheltered homelessness in Los Angeles; overall homelessness there has declined for two consecutive years for the first time. Programs like Inside Safe have contributed by bringing thousands indoors and resolving over 100 entrenched encampments citywide.
State funding continues to play a role in expanding behavioral health infrastructure in Los Angeles. Through Proposition 1 funding approved by voters, Los Angeles received about $1.58 billion for mental health treatment facilities, substance use disorder programs, and supportive housing initiatives.
Between 2014 and 2019—prior to Governor Newsom’s tenure—unsheltered homelessness increased by about 37,000 people statewide. Since then, growth has slowed even as other states have experienced larger increases. In 2024 alone—while national homelessness rose more than 18%—California limited its increase to just 3%, which was lower than that seen in most other states such as Florida or Texas (https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2023-AHAR-Part-1.pdf). The state also achieved notable reductions among veterans experiencing homelessness.
Governor Newsom’s administration continues efforts through executive orders directing cleanups using humane models that provide notice along with access to housing options.
