#135: California likes to pride itself on being a place that’s ahead of the curve, and sets trends where other states, and even countries, might take some lessons. But when it comes to solutions to the homelessness crisis, could California could stand to learn something from Texas?
While the population of unhoused people in Texas has decreased by 28% since 2012, in California, during the same time period, our unhoused population grew by 43%. So, why the difference?
Guest: CalMatters homelessness reporter Marisa Kendall, who reported on the different approaches to homelessness in the two states.
*And a note, we recorded this interview before some news broke this week: LAist senior reporter Nick Gerda reports that the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development has granted a waiver to the city of L.A. that will remove a proof of income paperwork requirement that has slowed Mayor Karen Bass’ ability to house people experiencing homelessness. The waiver is expected to fast track the housing process for hundreds of people looking to move from streets and shelters into longer-term housing. Read more about it here.