Homelessness

Homelessness prevention shows promising results in California, as advocates push to spread it statewide and nationally.

Projects that are supposed to offer mental health and substance use care to foster youth, new mothers, unhoused people and other vulnerable Californians have been delayed or cancelled.

A majority of California’s roughly 180,000 people experiencing homelessness have health insurance through Medi-Cal. Providers predict that many will lose insurance under President Donald Trump’s upcoming work mandates even if they qualify for exemptions.

Far fewer people with mental illness are getting help in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s CARE Court program than expected. This week, he blamed local governments for shortcomings.

A California company is using AI to help diagnose homeless Californians. The technology promises better access to health care, but it also raises questions.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration is pressuring local leaders to pass ordinances regulating homeless encampments, among other requirements.

A new law going into effect Jan. 1, 2026 prevents cities from penalizing outreach workers who provide services such as legal aid or hand out blankets at encampments.

A California new law expands CARE Court, a mental health program championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, to include some people diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

State and local governments became more aggressive in sweeping homeless encampments in 2025, among other measures.

Who is eligible for CARE Court? How do I file a petition? Can this program force someone into treatment? Read on to find out.