"California's Mismanaged Homelessness Programs Fail to Curb Rising Unhoused Population"

Despite spending nearly $24 billion on homelessness programs, California's efforts to combat homelessness have failed to curb the rising unhoused population, with a state audit revealing a lack of tracking and evaluation of these efforts. The audit found that most people accessing services were placed in interim housing, with only 13% ending up in permanent housing and 44% returning to homelessness. The state lacks consistent data on program costs and outcomes, and both state and local levels are criticized for a lack of transparency and accountability in funding usage. Calls for ongoing funding for permanent housing solutions and greater oversight over spending have emerged, as the state faces a concerning paradox of increasing homelessness despite substantial financial investments.