Photo credit: AP Newsroom

Cities and counties like Sonoma County can now apply for a slice of nearly $300 million dollars to clean up encampments around California.

Governor Gavin Newsom says the grant program requires local governments to provide housing for people living in large tent encampments before shutting them down.  

But he says the fund marks a shift in California’s strategy to reduce homelessness.

"We’re not subsidizing those $800, 900-thousand dollar units anymore that take 5, 6, 7, 8 , 10 years," Newsom said. "We’re not just writing a check to cities and counties. Admittedly, we did that for a couple years but to be candid with you, I didn’t see the results that you deserved – that all of us deserved."

Newsom’s announcement comes days before he is scheduled to face political rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, on the debate stage Thursday.