Homeless Camp Removal Begins at San Jose's Columbus Park

A Growing Crisis in San Jose

Homelessness is not just a challenge for those without shelter; it also poses significant issues for urban centers, particularly in the Bay Area. San Jose, one such city, has been intensifying its efforts to address encampments that have grown over the years. One of the most prominent sites is Columbus Park, where a large homeless encampment is set to be dismantled starting next week.

This area, once a typical park, has transformed into a sprawling makeshift community over the past decade. In a recent community letter, Mayor Matt Mahan announced the beginning of the cleanup process, emphasizing that the task will be complex and time-consuming.

"It won't be easy. It won't happen overnight," Mahan wrote. "And it may get worse in the area before it gets better. But continuing to do nothing, allowing this encampment to grow out of control, is not an option."

Gail Osmer, a long-time advocate for the homeless, expressed her understanding of the city's frustration with the situation. As she drove through the streets filled with dilapidated RVs and debris, she acknowledged the challenges the city faces.

"I know, 100%. They've let it go, even though it's been this way for a while," Osmer said.

Osmer, who was involved in advocating for the homeless before the term became widely used, is well-known among the camp residents. However, she finds the mayor’s claim that housing is available for all to be unrealistic.

"We do have a lot of tiny homes coming online. But at the end of the year, not today," she explained.

She questioned whether the removal should be delayed until more housing becomes available but admitted that the mayor is unlikely to change course.

"Of course, I think it should be postponed. But [Mahan] won't do that. All the RVs are going to be abated, no matter where they live, they're going to be moved from one area to another," she said.

Columbus Park is located directly under the airport flight path, which explains why there are no homes there. Many campers believe this makes it an ideal location for them. Resident Kat Daughterty suggested that the city has been deliberately directing homeless individuals to this area.

"They kept sweeping and abating wherever people were parked and scattered out and herding them here. And once they got in the park, they weren't really messing with anybody," Daughterty said.

Despite these concerns, the removal of the RVs is scheduled to begin on Monday. Not all vehicles will be affected, however. Those with special city-issued tags are allowed to stay temporarily. These individuals have signed agreements to sell their RVs for $2,000 and accept housing offers, often in the form of hotel rooms provided by the city.

However, due to a lack of available rooms, they can remain for an additional month, until September 5. The rest of the RVs will need to leave immediately.

Osmer commented on the city’s approach, stating, "They've lost their patience with the unhoused. They really have, and I can understand that. But, like at this park, the city dropped the ball! They let this end up looking like this. I call it a 'third world country.'"

Mayor Mahan has labeled the operation as "Operation Cleanup Columbus," estimating that it will take about eight weeks to complete. Once the area is cleared, re-encampment will not be allowed, and the park will be restored as a recreational space.

Interestingly, both Osmer and the mayor agree that no one should be living in RVs, and that everyone would benefit from more stable, dignified housing. The key question remains: should the city remove the residents now or wait until sufficient housing becomes available?