December 16, 2022
Editor’s note: A sweep of a camp in San Jose, CA proceeded after several unhoused people had already died due to the weather. Supporters tried to keep people warm with tents/tarps/blankets, but now they are in a nearby “no re-encampment zone”, and in danger of losing those few belongings when they get swept from there as well. Article below is written by a supporter.
SAN JOSE, CA — Yesterday, when I went to provide food for the large camp outside the Felipe tiny homes I stumbled into a sweep. CalTrans [California Dept. of Transportation] had posted about the camp sweep AFTER the county had declared inclement weather due to literally freezing temperatures. Then they proceeded with the sweep after several unhoused people had already died due to the weather.
The notice was not plastered all over camp like proper sweep notices are done, but sparsely placed on distant freeway pillars.
The notice said people would be swept December 15, but CalTrans began sweeping them December 14.
They listed a “County Emergency Shelter” under Community Service Assistance. There is no County Emergency Shelter and the address they listed it at is the Office of Emergency Services.
The notice says people have three months to claim their property and says property must be claimed by February 15, 2022, which was 10 months ago.
I gave them all the blankets and tarps I had and am returning Friday morning to give them tents. However, the people are now in a “no re-encampment zone” and will likely be swept by the city of San Jose soon. So, CalTrans sweeps them, I help keep them warm with tents/tarps/blankets from the county, and then the city sweeps them and they lose those few belongings. How counterproductive of the city.
No wonder so many people are dying. Great job, CalTrans.
Shaunn Cartwright is the director of Unhoused Response Group
