Transcript
The state of California is dealing with another kind of crisis: homelessness.
The New York Times reports that nearly half of all homeless people in the United States live in California.
The homeless population in Los Angeles County alone increased to almost 60,000 in 2019.
The LA Housing Authority says the increase is due to a number of reasons: the economy, foster care, mental health, criminal justice and housing market.
In response governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to use travel trailers as temporary homeless shelters across the state.
The Emergency Medical Services Authority will be supplying modular tent structures.
The initiative also includes plans to provide health and social services.
Newsom also provided a budget of more than $1 billion to fight homelessness.
Government officials say the trailers won’t solve the homeless crisis overnight but they will provide safety, services and critical care for families right now.