A homeless services site in Los Angeles County, funded in part by California, has been observed distributing drug paraphernalia, including meth pipes and syringes, to users. Critics argue that these “harm reduction” policies, supported by Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration, enable drug abuse rather than encouraging treatment.
The Skid Row Care Campus, which launched in 2025, offers a range of services including food, laundry, and medical care, alongside less conventional amenities like doggie daycare and valet cart parking. A walk-up counter at the facility provides users with items such as "oil burners" (crack pipes), "spray shooters" (syringes), and drug-testing strips, according to reports from the site. State fact sheets on harm reduction supplies do not explicitly mention treatment referrals.
Newsom has advocated for harm reduction as a means to make drug use safer and increase the likelihood of individuals entering substance use treatment. His Department of Public Health has endorsed the distribution of syringes, glass pipes, and containers for mixing injectable drugs. However, observers at the Skid Row campus noted that while drug use is not permitted on-site, users reportedly would not be bothered if they used drugs just outside the facility unless they overdosed.
Estela Lopez, executive director of the LA Downtown Industrial District, described the approach as providing "everything that you need in order to get high, stay high, is provided, no questions asked." She stated that the site has contributed to chaos in the surrounding streets, with one LAPD source reporting 1,200 calls for service and four murders in the area this year, a significant increase. Employees at one of the site's nonprofit providers have indicated that drug dealers are actively competing for clients near the campus.
The Skid Row Care Campus reportedly receives approximately $26 million annually from local, state, and federal sources. Some of the nonprofits operating the site, such as Homeless Health Care Los Angeles and Wesley Health Centers (JWCH Institute), have seen substantial revenue increases in recent years. LA County stated that the campus is funded by L.A. Care Health Plan and Health Net, with the initial investment resulting from California's Housing and Homelessness Incentive Program and matching funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Critics contend that these harm reduction strategies facilitate drug abuse. The debate echoes concerns raised during the Trump administration, which initiated reviews of federally funded drug paraphernalia distribution sites, viewing such efforts as facilitating illegal drug use. The named nonprofits and the mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment, and the governor's office provided no responsive statement.