Why Is Homelessness So High in California? Unpacking the Crisis and Solutions

Published on InsightOutVision.com
Date: May 3, 2025

A Growing Crisis in the Golden State

California, with its sunny beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse population, often feels like paradise. Yet, beneath the surface, a stark reality persists: the state has the highest homeless population in the U.S. As of January 2024, 187,084 people were experiencing homelessness in California, accounting for 0.48% of the state’s population—one of the highest per capita rates nationwide (en.wikipedia.org, 2025). A recent X post by Benny Johnson (

@bennyjohnson

, May 1, 2025) captured this crisis vividly, showing tent cities and trash-strewn streets in downtown L.A., describing "3rd world conditions" that shocked him to the core. So, why is homelessness so rampant in California? Where do these individuals come from, and what’s being done to address it? Let’s dive in.

Why are there So Many Homeless people in California?

1. Skyrocketing Housing Costs
The primary driver of homelessness in California is the housing crisis. A 2023 study by the University of California, San Francisco, identified high housing costs as the greatest obstacle to reducing homelessness (siepr.stanford.edu). The state’s coastal cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco, suffer from a severe housing shortage, with long waiting lists for affordable units. From 2007 to 2023, California’s homeless population grew more than any other state’s, increasing by 31% between 2010 and 2020, while the national rate dropped by 18% (en.wikipedia.org, 2025). Moderate decreases in rent could significantly reduce homelessness, but current policies and regulations often hinder new housing development.

2. Mental Health and Addiction Challenges
A large share of the chronically homeless in California struggles with mental health issues and drug addiction. According to the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, intensive care is needed for those whose homelessness stems from these root causes (siepr.stanford.edu). However, barriers like long waiting lists for treatment programs, lack of transportation, and documentation issues make access to care difficult. California’s new laws have also reduced some pathways to drug treatment, exacerbating the problem.

3. Perfect Weather and Migration
California’s mild climate makes it a magnet for homeless individuals from across the U.S. Two-thirds of the state’s homeless population is unsheltered, living on streets or in encampments—the highest percentage in the nation (en.wikipedia.org, 2025). Many migrate to California seeking better living conditions, drawn by the weather and the state’s reputation for progressive policies. A 2021 survey found that 19% of Californians reported knowing someone who had experienced homelessness in the past five years, highlighting how widespread the issue has become.

Where Do They Come From?

While some assume California’s homeless population largely consists of out-of-state migrants, data tells a different story. A 2023 study by the University of California, Los Angeles, found that 75% of the state’s homeless population were already living in California before becoming homeless (calbudgetcenter.org, 2024). Many are locals pushed out of housing due to rising costs, job loss, or personal crises like medical emergencies or domestic violence. The remaining 25% come from other states, often drawn by California’s weather and perceived opportunities, but they, too, struggle to find stability in a state with limited affordable housing.

Why Do They End Up Homeless?

The path to homelessness often begins with a single setback: a rent increase, a medical bill, or a job loss. For example, a family paying $22,000 annually in property taxes, as one X user (@rascal113646) mentioned, might still lose their home if costs outpace income. Systemic issues amplify these personal struggles—underfunded housing programs, lack of mental health support, and stagnant wages create a perfect storm. California’s homeless population is also aging rapidly, with adults over 50 making up nearly 40% of those needing shelter (calbudgetcenter.org, 2024), often due to fixed incomes that can’t keep up with inflation.

Government Efforts: Progress and Pitfalls

Governor Gavin Newsom has made homelessness a priority, announcing initiatives like the Homekey program, which allocated $179.7 million in 2024 to create 710 homes across seven counties, contributing to a total of 13,484 units (www.gov.ca.gov, 2024). The state also plans to build 1,200 small homes for homeless individuals, with construction starting by the end of 2024. During the pandemic, California pioneered non-congregate shelters to protect vulnerable populations, a model that showed promise (calbudgetcenter.org, 2024).

Yet, these efforts fall short. Critics on X, like@GuntherEagleman and @MeezmoApril, blame Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for failing to address the crisis effectively, pointing to persistent “tent cities” and public health risks like tuberculosis outbreaks in shelters (en.wikipedia.org, 2025). More than 270,000 homeless individuals received services in 2021, but the system lacks the capacity to meet demand. Many unsheltered individuals avoid shelters due to safety concerns, strict rules, or lack of privacy, preferring the autonomy of the streets despite the risks.

Why Isn’t There Enough Help?

The scale of the crisis overwhelms current resources. California has spent billions—$20 billion over the past five years, according to a 2024 CalMatters report—but the homeless population grew by 5,000 from 2023 to 2024. Corruption and inefficiency, as highlighted by X users like @rascal113646, drain funds, while bureaucratic hurdles slow down housing projects. Streamlining housing production and increasing shelter capacity, as suggested by Stanford researchers, could help, but political will and public support remain inconsistent.

Preparing to Avoid Homelessness: Practical Advice

If economic instability looms, here are steps to safeguard yourself:

• Build a Financial Buffer: Save at least three months’ worth of expenses to weather unexpected setbacks.

• Know Your Resources: Familiarize yourself with local housing assistance programs, like California’s CalWORKs, which offers emergency aid.

• Strengthen Your Network: Build relationships with family, friends, or community groups who can provide support in a crisis.

• Upskill and Diversify Income: Learn new skills or explore side gigs to bolster financial stability.

• Monitor Mental Health: Seek help early if you’re struggling—California’s Medi-Cal program offers mental health services, though access can be challenging.

What’s Next?

California’s homelessness crisis is a complex puzzle, but it’s not unsolvable. Addressing housing affordability, expanding mental health and addiction services, and building more shelters are critical steps. As individuals, we can advocate for policy changes, support nonprofits, and foster empathy rather than judgment.

What do you think—should California prioritize housing development or social services to tackle homelessness? Have you or someone you know faced housing insecurity, and what helped? How can we balance compassion with accountability in addressing this crisis?

Share your thoughts below.