homelessness

An older person in a blue jacket leans forward to greet a child standing next to an adult. They are outside near a tent structure, with utility poles and wires in the background. The adult holds the child’s hand and watches the interaction.

Homelessness

What to do if your loved one is homeless

Finding a homeless loved one can be difficult. So can helping them once you’ve found them. Here are some tips from people who’ve been there.

By

Marisa Kendall

• May 1, 2025

A view of a person's back as they walk by gray and white tents on the sidewalk on a hot day in Los Angeles.

Homelessness

A new program trains college students for jobs helping homeless Californians. Can it survive?

Santa Monica College started the first community college program to train people for much-needed jobs in homeless services. But will its first cohort be its last?

By

Marisa Kendall

and

Adam Echelman

• April 22, 2025

A man with a short white beard and wearing a beige jacket sits inside a courtroom while they look down at their hands.

Homelessness

What happens after a homeless person is arrested for camping? Often, not much

Wickey Two Hands was supposed to be the first person tried for camping in Fresno. Instead, after the city and county poured resources into his case, it was dismissed at the last minute.

By

Marisa Kendall

• April 18, 2025

New housing construction in a neighborhood on the outskirts of west Fresno on June 15, 2023. Photo by Larry Valenzuela, CalMatters/CatchLight Local

Commentary

Other states do housing better than California; a new study shows how they do it

Terrible trio of a too small housing supply, too high living costs and too many homeless people plague California. A study says metro areas elsewhere are more pro-housing.

By

Dan Walters

• April 10, 2025

A side view of an afternoon sun shining on a street lined with tents for those experiencing homelessness with some cars and bikes nearby.

Commentary

LA feud is a prime example of the constant clashes between California cities and counties

What happened last week in California’s most populous county and its largest city exemplifies the intergovernmental tensions that spill out into public view during debates over the state's top issues.

By

Dan Walters

• April 8, 2025

A man wearing a brown jacket and white sweats sits on a tall blue cement block along a sidewalk. Two officers in blue uniforms stand in front of the person. Another person can be seen standing nearby and folding a white shirt.

Commentary

Los Angeles leaders want to restore MacArthur Park. The challenge is making it last

MacArthur Park faces a swirl of LA's most pressing problems. For the moment, it has the city government’s full attention, and the strategies deployed to restore the neighborhood will not just be scrutinized but could be deployed in other cities struggling with public safety.

By

Jim Newton

• April 3, 2025

The Fullerton Navigation Center, a homeless shelter in Fullerton on March 11, 2022. Photo by David Swanson, Reuters

Reader Reactions

California’s homeless shelters aren’t for everyone. That doesn’t mean they don’t work

A formerly homeless man residing in Ventura makes the case for shelters in response to a recent CalMatters investigation.

By P. W. Robinson • March 27, 2025

A group of individuals stands or sits near a sidewalk lined with belongings, including bags, a stroller, and a green tent. One person looks at a phone, another carries a large bag over their shoulder, and some appear to be conversing or waiting. The background features a textured gray wall, and the scene conveys a sense of urban life and temporary shelter.

Commentary

Newsom’s new California homelessness plan leaves out some important details

The Newsom administration released a new plan for addressing California homelessness, but the report failed to specify key details that will ultimately determine if its successful.

By

Dan Walters

• March 19, 2025

Two people work together to assemble or repair a bicycle, focusing on the rear wheel. One person, wearing a light gray jacket and glasses, is seated while adjusting the bike frame. The other, dressed in a gray hoodie and jeans, leans over to assist. The perspective is low to the ground, emphasizing the bike's spokes and mechanical components. The setting is indoors, with bright overhead lighting.

Homelessness

How California homeless programs are helping people get fit and off the streets: ‘It’s the bike’

From biking in San Diego to running in San Francisco, these programs host workout groups specifically for homeless Californians.

By

Marisa Kendall

• March 10, 2025

Mental Health

California is spending billions on mental health housing. Will it reach those most in need?

Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to see tangible results from the $6.4 billion mental health bond voters approved last year. Moving fast carries a risk of neglecting under-resourced communities.

By

Kristen Hwang

• March 6, 2025