Newsom's Prop 50 Victory: A Strategic Masterstroke, But What About Homelessness?

Governor Gavin Newsom's triumph with Proposition 50 is a testament to his political acumen, but it also highlights a stark contrast with the ongoing homelessness crisis in California. The passage of Prop 50, which redraws California's congressional districts, has been hailed as a strategic masterstroke, potentially securing up to five additional Democratic seats in the House of Representatives. This move not only counters Republican gerrymandering efforts in states like Texas but also positions Newsom as a key player in national politics, potentially setting the stage for a presidential run in 2028.

However, while Newsom's political maneuvering is impressive, it pales in comparison to the urgent need to address California's homelessness crisis. Despite Governor Newsom's initial focus on homelessness as a statewide priority in 2019, the issue remains a pressing concern. California continues to lead the nation in homelessness, with approximately 187,000 individuals experiencing homelessness as of January 2024. This figure represents about 0.48% of the state's population and accounts for about 24% of the total homeless population in the United States.

As a former homeless single parent who battled addiction and homelessness for nearly two decades, I can attest to the devastating impact of this crisis. The journey from homelessness to becoming an international social impact documentary filmmaker, homeless activist, and published writer has been arduous and transformative. It's a path that many individuals and families in California are still struggling to navigate, often without the support and resources they desperately need.

The contrast between Newsom's political victories and the ongoing homelessness crisis is striking. While Prop 50 has been framed as a necessary countermeasure to Republican strategies, the “redistricting” of the unhoused population has been largely ignored. The “game of musical shelters” that characterizes the current approach to homelessness is not only ineffective but also inhumane. It's a stark reminder that while political power plays are crucial, they should not come at the expense of addressing critical social issues.

Newsom's administration has made some progress in addressing homelessness, with initiatives like the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) and Proposition 1 bond funds aimed at providing support for vulnerable homeless populations. However, these efforts seem to be overshadowed by the political maneuvering and redistricting efforts. The passage of Prop 50, while a significant political victory, does not address the root causes of homelessness or provide a comprehensive solution to the crisis.

In conclusion, while Newsom's strategic moves with Prop 50 are impressive, they highlight the need for a more balanced approach to governance. Political victories are important, but they should not overshadow the urgent need to address critical social issues like homelessness. Newsom has the opportunity to lead a nationwide initiative to tackle this crisis, potentially securing his legacy as a champion for the homeless and setting a new standard for governance that prioritizes people over politics. As someone who has lived through the struggles of homelessness, I urge Governor Newsom to turn his political acumen towards addressing this crisis, ensuring that no one else has to endure the hardships I faced.

A “Fifty-State Strategy” for Ending Homelessness
In politics, success often depends on refusing to write anyone off. The “fifty-state strategy,” once used to rebuild the Democratic Party, was based on the idea that every community matters, even those long considered unwinnable. The 2024 presidential election proved how this approach can reshape an entire nation: when momentum builds across states, it can redefine the political map.
The same logic applies to one of America’s most persistent challenges, homelessness. What if we treated every city, every county, and every neighborhood as essential to solving it?
Too often, homelessness policy focuses on hotspots like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, while smaller towns and rural areas are left to struggle in silence. But homelessness exists everywhere, and so must the solutions.

A “fifty-community strategy” would invest in local infrastructure, housing programs, and mental health services in every region, not just where cameras are rolling. Small victories in smaller places could build national momentum, just as local electoral wins shape national outcomes. When a single city proves a solution is possible, it sends a signal nationwide showing that real change can start locally and then radiate outward.

The lesson is simple: systemic problems demand systemic inclusion. Just as no state should be ignored in an election, no community should be excluded from the fight against homelessness. Real change doesn’t come from focusing on the most visible crises; it comes from treating every place as worth saving.

America doesn’t need a patchwork of temporary fixes; it needs a national movement built from the ground up. That’s how we win elections. And that’s how we can finally win the fight against homelessness.

Eric Protein Moseley is a global social impact documentary filmmaker and homeless activist about to release the low-budget high-impact documentary Homelessness Has No Permanent Address, filmed in Richmond, California, and South Africa @MandateAChange