Berkeley City Council Approves Emergency Homeless Shelter to Address Encampment Along I-80 and Reduce Risk of COVID-19 Exposure
March 11, 2020
Last night, in response to the growing encampment along the I-80 corridor and concerns that the unsanitary health conditions could contribute to the spread of Coronavirus, the Berkeley City Council directed the City Manager to negotiate a lease with Caltrans to operate an outdoor emergency shelter.
“The situation surrounding the University Avenue overpass isn’t just unsightly, it’s unhealthy,” said Mayor Jesse Arreguín, who introduced the item. “In the absence of action from Caltrans, Berkeley is moving forward to create an emergency shelter. This is another tool in the suite of sustainable solutions we’re pursuing to address homelessness in our community and reduce the threat of Coronavirus. We have a moral obligation to both our housed and unhoused neighbors to do everything in our power to address this crisis.”
The site in question is home to around 100 residents who live in dangerous conditions due to fast-moving traffic and an absence of maintenance that has led to health and safety concerns. The Council’s vote will lead to the creation of an outdoor shelter with restrooms, hand washing stations and garbage service on Caltrans land near University Avenue and West Frontage Road, just west of I-80. There would be ongoing outreach from service providers including, but not limited to, mental health, health, and Coordinated Entry. Creating an outdoor shelter at this site will enhance quality of life and safety for unhoused residents, motorists, and nearby neighbors.
The land became available after Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order in January directing state officials to develop a list of excess state land which can be used for emergency shelter and housing. In addition, Caltrans was directed to develop a model lease template that local governments can use to lease state land for homeless shelters or housing.
The City Council’s action comes a week after the Mayor’s Office organized a cleanup of the east side of the University Ave overpass at I-80. Dozens of volunteers cleared 8 tons of debris on Saturday, February 29th. The City also announced on Thursday, March 5th that it is in the process of increasing sanitation stations and providing hand sanitizer and flyers with information regarding COVID-19.
Beyond the emergency shelter, cleanup and other efforts, the City of Berkeley and its regional partners continue to move aggressively to address homelessness. On Friday, March 6th, Mayor Arreguín joined Mayor Libby Schaaf of Oakland, and Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks and Rob Bonta for the introduction of AB 3300, which would allocate $2 billion to address California’s homelessness crisis.
In light of Berkeley’s previous and ongoing investment in homeless prevention services, Berkeley’s homeless population grew only 14% in comparison to the County’s average growth of 43%.