Oakland Democratic councilman proposes plan to close down homeless encampments

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In Oakland, Calif., District 7 Councilman Ken Houston is going through pushback as he works to crack down on town's homeless disaster.

Houston, a Democrat, has earned each reward and criticism as he pushes for an answer.

His plan, launched Thursday night, would let Oakland’s authorities shut down encampments even when no different shelter choices can be found, in keeping with The Oaklandside . Till now, outreach employees have been required to supply housing options earlier than a camp may be cleared. The proposal additionally permits authorities to quote or arrest individuals for tenting the place it's prohibited.

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A homeless encampment in Oakland, California. (Getty)

"Town of Oakland now has clear constitutional authority to ban encampments in public areas," Houston’s report acknowledged. "Failure for town to behave can not be primarily based on authorized uncertainty."

"Oakland has an ethical responsibility to intervene compassionately however firmly," Houston stated in his personal phrases in regards to the metropolis that reportedly has 5,500 homeless residents as of final 12 months, in keeping with The Oaklandside.

He additionally argued the "speedy progress of the unsheltered inhabitants has led to escalating threats to public security, sanitation and environmental well being. These circumstances have reached a disaster level, underscoring the pressing want for complete and efficient coverage options."

The Bay Space of California has turn into identified for having quite a few homeless encampments like this one crowding its sidewalks. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg through Getty Photos)

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The Housing & Dignity Challenge, an area advocacy group, is urging the council to reject the proposal. The group argued it "aligns metropolis coverage with the Trump agenda by prioritizing the removing and criminalization of individuals experiencing homelessness." It additionally warned that permitting the towing of inhabited automobiles with out discover "would outcome solely in additional individuals dwelling on sidewalks in deeper instability," in keeping with The Oaklandside.