California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the allocation of nearly $300 million to local municipalities to “address homelessness” by clearing homeless encampments, Fox News Digital reports.

The funds, channeled through the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), will clear homeless encampments on state property and facilitate the relocation of homeless individuals to housing. Newsom emphasized the need to go beyond mere cleanup, aiming to resolve underlying issues and support individuals in achieving self-sufficiency.

The funds are not a “blank check,” according to Newsom, and cities and counties are expected to meet specific benchmarks and goals. Caltrans expressed readiness to use the money to clean up camps near freeways, park and rides, and bike paths. Alisa Becerra, a Caltrans deputy director, highlighted the agency’s commitment to connecting homeless individuals on its right-of-way with more secure and stable housing opportunities provided by local partners.

However, California State Senator Brian Dahle, a Republican, challenged Newsom’s claim of clearing over 5,600 homeless encampments, arguing that the camps were merely moved rather than truly addressed. Dahle criticized the state’s spending on homelessness, asserting that California invests more tax dollars per homeless person than on students, describing the homeless crisis as a national embarrassment.

Homelessness has been a persistent issue in Democratic California, with complaints from residents and business owners about encampments contributing to crime and open-air drug use.

San Francisco recently undertook a homeless camp cleanup ahead of the U.S.-China summit, sparking mixed reactions. Some praised the effort, while others criticized it as an attempt to enhance the city’s appearance for the summit rather than addressing the core issues of homelessness. Newsom acknowledged that the beautification project was influenced by the impending visit of world leaders, prompting both appreciation and frustration among constituents.