Berkeley clears homeless encampment as residents face uncertainty over where to go
BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- City crews began clearing a longstanding homeless encampment at 8th and Harrison streets Tuesday, prompting frustration, anxiety and uncertainty among residents who say they still do not know where they will go next.
The city posted notices at the site Sept. 11 ordering residents to vacate by Sept. 15, setting the stage for Tuesday's cleanup operation. As crews worked through the day, residents scrambled to gather belongings and make plans, while advocates questioned whether the city had provided enough alternatives.
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"It's kind of like chaos trying to get everything situated," said encampment resident Elester Shelton. "We didn't get enough time to get all our things together."
The encampment has been at the center of an ongoing legal dispute between Berkeley and the Berkeley Homeless Union and remains under federal court supervision.
Advocates say the central issue involves residents with disabilities who have sought accommodations before being displaced. According to Yesica Prado, president of the Berkeley Homeless Union, 26 disability accommodation requests were submitted, but only seven residents are currently protected under a court order.
Last month, a federal judge directed Berkeley and the homeless union to work together to identify alternative locations for residents with disabilities. The two sides have not reached an agreement, and a magistrate judge was recently appointed to help resolve the dispute.
For residents like Jaqueline Mendoza, who is among those on the disability exemption list, the uncertainty has been especially difficult.
"You can't really do anything if you don't have a home," Mendoza said.
As she packed up her belongings, Mendoza described the toll of repeated displacement.
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"I keep moving, but I'm getting tired," she said. "I just want to call somewhere home."
In a statement, Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii said the city's long-term focus remains permanent housing.
"Our real goal, and the only thing that actually solves this, is getting people into long-term, stable housing," the mayor said. "I remain committed to that work."
Meanwhile, many residents are weighing temporary options, from staying with relatives to relocating to other unsheltered areas.
"I'll probably stay by the railroad tracks," Shelton said. "Or call one of my cousins and stay with them."
Advocates warn that without an agreement on alternative placements, some of those displaced Tuesday could return to the site. As the legal process continues, questions remain about where residents will go and whether a longer-term solution can be found.
