Berkeley, California, known for its liberal stance on issues like drug use and homelessness, has surprised many by tightening enforcement on homeless camps. In the coming weeks, city authorities plan to target two major encampments that have been associated with health hazards and community complaints.
Mayor Jesse ArreguÃn acknowledged the frustrations of residents, stating, “People are frustrated — even in this very progressive city that cares deeply about addressing homelessness.” Berkeley is among over 75 cities across the United States that have enacted new restrictions on homeless encampments following a Supreme Court decision that allows local governments to prohibit outdoor sleeping.
California has seen about a third of these new measures, reflecting its significant homeless population. While some cities, like Los Angeles, emphasize the need for comprehensive solutions such as housing and mental health care, many others, including traditionally liberal areas, have opted for stricter enforcement.
Eric Tars, legal director of the National Homelessness Law Center, noted the rapid shift in attitudes among liberal communities, despite public debates often highlighting the drawbacks of criminalizing homelessness. The surge in homelessness, particularly in California, has been attributed to factors like mental illness, drug addiction, and rising housing costs.
After a Ninth Circuit ruling in 2018 that deemed it unconstitutional to penalize individuals for sleeping outside without alternatives, the number of encampments increased. As public concern grew, politicians began to hold the court responsible for the visible homelessness in their communities.
In response to the Supreme Court's recent ruling, California Governor Gavin Newsom has encouraged local leaders to remove homeless camps, even participating in clean-up efforts personally. This aligns with a broader trend, as voters recently supported tougher measures against theft and drug use, reflecting widespread frustration with crime and homelessness.
Eve Garrow from the American Civil Liberties Union expressed concern over the increasing enforcement in traditionally progressive areas, especially in light of conservative movements aimed at reducing federal housing support for the homeless. Republican-led states have begun implementing policies that discourage unauthorized camping and reduce funding for housing programs.
Berkeley officials assert that their approach will be humane, focusing on documented fire hazards and public safety issues while prioritizing housing solutions. The city has already opened an emergency shelter and funded additional housing projects, with voters recently approving a tax increase for homeless services.
Despite some progress, nearly 850 individuals remain homeless in Berkeley, with persistent encampments causing ongoing issues. Some individuals have declined housing offers, preferring to remain in encampments, which complicates the city's efforts to address the situation.
City records indicate frequent police and fire department calls to the encampments, with local businesses expressing frustration over the impact of the camps on their operations. Legal actions have been initiated by some business owners claiming that the city's tolerance of encampments constitutes a public nuisance.
Council member Cecilia Lunaparra expressed disappointment with the city's shift away from a more compassionate approach, advocating for continued support and housing initiatives. She emphasized that the core issue of homelessness is housing availability, a sentiment echoed by other council members who are navigating the complexities of the situation.
As Berkeley grapples with balancing community concerns and the needs of the homeless population, city officials are striving to find a reasonable approach in a challenging environment.