LOS ANGELES — Homelessness is at emergency levels throughout much of California. Now, the state is stepping up with additional aid.

New numbers from the governor’s office show that since July 2021, California has cleared more than 5,000 encampments from the state right-of-way. To keep this work going, the California Interagency Council on Homelessness is now taking applications for nearly $300 million in grants. This money is for cities, counties and continuums of care. The application window is open through June 2024 or until the funds run out. This could help thousands of people experiencing homelessness.

Half of the new grants will be prioritized for encampments in the state right-of-way. The goal is to ensure the state’s highways are safe.

Spectrum News has covered this issue extensively, specifically in Los Angeles County’s unincorporated areas, such as East Gardena and West Rancho Dominguez. There are several places like these where recreational vehicles line the streets. They serve as homes for people but generate other hazards and garbage in the process that altogether can impede traffic and pedestrian flow. More generally, this situation also creates negative impacts on the quality of life for the community.

LA County’s homeless initiative, Pathway Home, claims to have removed more than 100 RVs. Residents are promised interim housing like a hotel and help to get to something more stable.

Recently, a cluster of former RV dwellers moved into some brand-new apartments in South LA. William Escribano and his dog are part of this newly housed group.

“I’m glad I did. It was hard out there. I’m not going to lie. I cried every day out there, not for me but for this guy,” said Escribano, referencing his pet.

Grants and subsidies will pay Escribano’s rent for a while as he searches for a job.