California Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging voters to approve a ballot initiative to tackle the state's homelessness crisis, but social providers argue it would threaten programs that prevent homelessness.
Proposition 1 on the March 5th ballot would require counties to spend 60% of millionaire tax funds on housing and programs for homeless people with mental illnesses or substance abuse problems, regardless of the size of the homeless population in each county.
The change could cause existing programs, such as cultural centers and peer-support programs, to lose funding, and some organizations fear they may have to close their doors.