Housing

A boarded-up storefront is seen through a rectangular opening in a metal structure. The glass doors are covered with a metal security grate, and the windows have wooden boards behind them. The surrounding area appears empty, with no visible activity. The perspective creates a framing effect, drawing attention to the entrance of the vacant building.

Homelessness

7 takeaways from our investigation into California homeless shelters

Emergency shelters are supposed to be a safe haven, but records show they’re ineffective — and rife with abuse and scandal.

By Lauren Hepler • February 25, 2025

A collage-style illustration in brown and beige tones. The illustration includes cut-out images of a dome-shaped shelter building; a homeless person holding a blue tent; a portrait of a person looking at the camera; rows of red shelter tents and text of complaints about the conditions at shelters. Portions of the text read: "I have black mold all over my walls. I have been exposed to it" and "program staff misusing services and resources intended for guests."

Housing

‘A volunteer jail’: Inside the scandals and abuse pushing California’s homeless out of shelters

Shelters have become California’s go-to solution for homelessness. A CalMatters investigation finds the vast majority of residents stay homeless.

By Lauren Hepler • February 25, 2025

A woman wearing a black "San Francisco" hoodie and a face mask sits on a bench inside a courthouse, attentively listening to a female attorney in a black blazer. The attorney, holding a stack of documents, gestures as she speaks, engaging in conversation with the woman. The background consists of a beige marble wall and a wooden door.

Homelessness

They were arrested for sleeping outside while homeless. Now, these Californians are headed to trial

Lea esta historia en Español Wickey Twohands woke up early on the day he was scheduled to go on trial for sleeping outside. First, he dropped off all his possessions — a bedroll, blankets, clothes and some food — at a friend’s house for safekeeping. Then the 77-year-old caught a bus to the courthouse in […]

By Marisa Kendall • February 25, 2025

A close-up view of the framing of what will soon be a three-story apartment complex.

Housing

‘Limited to no impact’: Why a pro-housing group says California’s pro-housing laws aren’t producing more

A passel of recent California laws were supposed to supercharge the construction of desperately needed housing. According to YIMBY Law, they haven’t even come close.

By Ben Christopher • February 24, 2025

A person wearing a dark pink collared shirt and blue jeans stands inside a garage under construction.

Housing

No new ADUs here: When California law and homeowner association rules collide

He says state law gives him the right to turn his garage into an apartment. His HOA says it doesn’t. Who's right?

By Ben Christopher • February 21, 2025

An aerial view of a burned-down neighborhood on a hillside with debris from burned homes and burnt trees can be seen. A white truck can be seen parked in the neighborhood among the destruction. In the background, a skyline view of the city can be seen with the ocean in the horizon.

Housing

Should builders permit their own projects? Post-fire LA considers a radical idea

The recent spate of LA fires has led many different parties to re-examine state and local approaches to building approval.

By Ben Christopher • February 14, 2025

A row of tents and makeshift shelters, covered with tarps and surrounded by personal belongings, lines a grassy area near a railway under an overcast sky. A person wearing a dark coat and hat moves near a white tent. In the background, a train approaches on an elevated track, and scattered items, bicycles, and blue recycling bins are visible throughout the encampment.

Homelessness

California city makes ‘aiding’ or ‘abetting’ a homeless camp illegal

Outreach workers in the Bay Area city of Fremont worry the new ordinance could target them, despite assurances from the city.

By Marisa Kendall • February 12, 2025

An aerial view of burned structures and charred debris of what used to be a mobile home park along the Los Angeles coastline that was destroyed by the Palisades fire.

Housing

Mobile homes are some of California’s last affordable housing. Can they rebuild after LA fires?

Mobile home residents don't know when or if they will be able to rebuild their homes. Local, state, and federal decisions will affect the fate of some of California's dwindling lower-priced housing.

By Felicia Mello • February 12, 2025

Two people lead a group as they walk ahead them while they tour the damages left by a wildfire in a downtown business district of Pacific Palisades. Gray clouds of smoke can be seen behind them.

Housing

Newsom temporarily changes rent rules for some LA mansions in wake of fires

In order to make full use of available rental properties, Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to change some rent rules.

By Ben Christopher • February 4, 2025

A person sits on a walker in an outdoor encampment, with a pensive expression and hands resting near their shoulders. Surrounding them are tents, carts filled with belongings, a bicycle, and various personal items scattered on the ground. Another individual is partially visible in the foreground, leaning over a surface with small objects. The background includes a mix of tents, urban structures, and open land under bright sunlight.

Homelessness

Should ‘aiding’ or ‘abetting’ a homeless camp be illegal? It may soon be a reality in this Bay Area city

The unusual move is alarming activists who worry they could be in the ordinance’s crosshairs.

By Marisa Kendall • February 4, 2025