Lauren Hepler

California considers more homeless shelter oversight

A hidden epidemic of death lurks in California's homeless shelters, where violence and unhealthy conditions drive people back on the streets.

California’s homeless shelters are supposed to be safe havens. But records show they’re ineffective — and rife with abuse and scandal.

Internal reports on deaths, disease, abuse and overdoses will give the public a rare glimpse inside taxpayer-funded shelters.

California's unemployment system crashed during the pandemic. Now, the system continues to see fraud and questions about its funding model.

CalMatters challenges LA homeless authority’s argument that shelter complaint reports are exempt from public disclosure.

The Supreme Court’s decision on homelessness will test a shelter system that’s full of problems – and lacking accountability.

California’s homeless shelter security industry is opening a new front in the housing crisis that’s ripe for abuse but thin on oversight.

There are many examples California can follow to fix its unemployment insurance system. The governor and Legislature just need courage.

A CalMatters investigation finds that the EDD missed red flags and failed to make long-promised changes before the COVID unemployment crisis.

Trabajadores de todo California comparten cómo los desafíos con los beneficios de desempleo del EDD llevaron a la pérdida de viviendas, deudas y luchas familiares.

Workers from across California share how challenges with EDD unemployment benefits led to lost housing, debt and family struggles.

The state’s job safety net is getting an overhaul from the likes of Salesforce and Amazon. Workers and experts warn of obstacles to come.

One California family is haunted by their youngest son’s increasingly frantic — and futile — attempts to break through the EDD’s jammed unemployment lines.

As Congress debates EDD benefit breakdowns, Silicon Valley’s home state leads a book about “why government is failing in the digital age.”

California unemployment appeals backlogs and fraud anxiety at EDD have left workers struggling with debt, housing and other essentials.

California's employment agency, EDD, made $22.5 million on unemployment debit card fees amid pandemic recession. Bank of America profited too.

California is rolling out new state grants and tax credits, but small business owners say their survival depends on other factors.

California is rolling out new state grants and tax credits, but small business owners say their survival depends on other factors.

A class-action lawsuit accuses Bank of America of exposing unemployed California workers to fraud and suspended EDD payments.