Homelessness

Physician assistant Brett Feldman checks his patient, Carla Bolen’s, blood pressure while in her encampment at the Figueroa St. Viaduct above Highway 110 in Elysian Valley Park in Los Angeles on Nov. 18, 2022. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Homelessness

Cities can’t punish outreach workers for helping homeless Californians under new law

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.

By Marisa Kendall • December 28, 2025

Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a news conference announcing a proposed a 2024 ballot initiative to improve mental health services across the state, at Alvarado Hospital in San Diego, on March 19, 2023. Photo by Adriana Heldiz/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP, Pool

Homelessness

New California law expands Newsom’s mental health court

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

By Marisa Kendall • December 27, 2025

A person wearing a beige jacket and cap walks down a city street, pulling a large, crumpled blue tarp. The scene is framed by tall buildings, parked cars, and a modern glass structure in the background. The muted urban setting is illuminated by soft, natural light, highlighting the quiet and solitary moment.

Homelessness

Year in review: Homelessness policy gets more punitive

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

By Marisa Kendall • December 24, 2025

Several people stand in front of a wall labeled “Resources,” browsing pamphlets about health and community services displayed in clear holders at a public information center.

Mental Health

Everything you need to know about how to use California’s new mental health court

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

By Marisa Kendall • December 18, 2025

Silhouette of a person standing at a railing looking out into a bay with boats and the skyline of buildings in the background. The run is shining down, reflecting in the bay and creating shadows on the person and ships around the frame.

Homelessness

Why Newsom’s CARE Court has struggled to help homeless Californians most in need

CARE Court was supposed to be a new way to help homeless Californians in the grip of psychosis. But people are still falling through the cracks.

By Marisa Kendall • December 18, 2025

Three people work on disassembling a bright orange tent next to a wall with a mural covered in colorful graffiti. Shopping carts and other personal belongings can be seen nearby.

Homelessness

Lawsuits challenge Trump administration’s radical homeless policy changes

Gov. Gavin Newsom, Santa Clara County and San Francisco are suing the Trump administration over a huge shift in homelessness policy.

By Marisa Kendall • December 3, 2025

The Close to Home St. Mary's Center transitional housing in West Oakland on Jan. 12, 2023. Photo by Martin do Nascimento, CalMatters

Homelessness

What veto drama and a Texas trip tell us about a potential shift in California’s homelessness strategy

California is under pressure to embrace more temporary homeless shelters and programs that require sobriety, at the potential expense of long-term housing.

By Marisa Kendall • November 7, 2025