Overwhelming Majorities Are Concerned about Homelessness, Support Many Policies to Address It

Last month the US Supreme Court ruled that cities can ban people from sleeping and camping in public spaces, even if there is no shelter available to them. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered California officials to begin clearing homeless encampments throughout the state and has said he would redirect money from counties that don't reduce their homeless populations. As leaders wrestle with how best to approach this pervasive challenge, how do Californians view homelessness-and what solutions do they favor?

Californians have been concerned about homelessness for quite some time. It has consistently been one of the top three issues mentioned in our surveys as the most important issue facing the state since January 2021. Nearly all adults say homelessness is at least somewhat of a problem in their part of the state (64% big, 32% somewhat)-including majorities across partisan, demographic, and regional groups who say it is a big problem, according to our December 2023 survey. Six in ten or more adults in the state have said this is a big problem since May 2019. Over eight in ten California adults are either very (45%) or somewhat (41%) concerned about the presence of homeless people in their local communities.

When asked about some of the causes of homelessness, over nine in ten adults say substance abuse, the lack of affordable housing, the lack of mental health services, and loss of or reduced income are at least minor factors. In fact, solid majorities say these are major factors (78% substance abuse, 70% lack of affordable housing, 63% lack of mental health services, 62% loss of or reduced income).

How do Californians view policies to resolve homelessness? While the PPIC Statewide Survey has not asked specifically about dismantling encampments, we have asked about a range of other solutions-all of which garner significant support. Over three in four adults and likely voters support providing short-term financial support for homeless families (78% each, adults and likely voters), building developments of tiny or small homes across the state (77% adults, 76% likely voters), and converting empty office spaces in cities into affordable housing as policies to help people experiencing homelessness in California (77% each, adults and likely voters).

Solid majorities across demographic and regional groups express support for these three policies, though there is some variation. When it comes to providing short-term financial aid, support is highest among women, African Americans, Latinos, and adults with incomes less than $40,000. Regarding developments of tiny homes, support is highest among African Americans, Asian Americans, adults ages 18 to 34, and adults with incomes less than $40,000. And when it comes to converting empty office spaces, African Americans, those earning less than $40,000, and Los Angeles residents are most likely to voice support.

While there is partisan support for all three of these policies, Democrats and independents are far more likely than Republicans to express support. In addition, support for these three issues decreases income increases.

Homelessness is one of the most complex, intensely emotional issues facing the state. California's population of people experiencing homelessness continues to grow, and in our December 2023 survey, about two in ten adults (21%) said they or a family member have experienced housing insecurity or homelessness. As Californians watch homeless sweeps gain momentum, and leaders across the state and the nation grapple with their approach to homelessness, PPIC will continue to monitor public opinion on this pressing issue.