San Bernardino Reaches Settlement with ACLU over Homeless Encampments
New Policy Prevents Destruction of Homeless Property During Cleanups
The city of San Bernardino has announced a settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regarding its cleanups of homeless encampments. As part of the agreement, the city is adopting a new policy that will prevent the destruction of unhoused people’s properties during encampment cleanups, paving the way for officials to resume sweeps.
Community Response
Residents of San Bernardino expressed a mix of emotions about the news. While some residents feel relieved that cleanup efforts will resume, others are concerned about the impact on the homeless population.
“For the most part, it’s a nice park and they keep the course clean,” said Ernest McRay, a visitor at Perris Hill Park. “There are some homeless people here, but they have to have a place to go. They don’t really bother anybody.”
Background on the Settlement
San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran announced that homeless encampments have been on her office’s radar for the past nine months, but a lawsuit from the ACLU kept the city from cleaning up encampments. The lawsuit, filed in 2023, claimed that the constitutional rights of those unhoused during a previous encampment cleanup were violated.
“The destruction of people’s personal property,” said Kath Rogers of the ACLU. “Many people had their property destroyed like medicine walkers, blankets, and clothing and everything they owned.”
New Measures to Prevent Destruction of Property
As part of the agreement, the city has designated a disability coordinator to oversee requests by disabled people for reasonable accommodations before and during an encampment cleanup. This move aims to ensure that the rights of unhoused individuals with disabilities are protected.
Reinvestment in Homeless Programs
The city is also expected to reinvest $600,000 in homeless programs and resources as part of the agreement. This funding will be used to support services and programs aimed at addressing homelessness in San Bernardino.
Conclusion
The settlement between the city of San Bernardino and the ACLU marks a significant step forward in addressing the city’s homeless encampment issue. By adopting a new policy that protects the property of unhoused individuals, the city can move forward with cleanup efforts while also ensuring the rights and dignity of those affected by homelessness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the new policy regarding homeless encampments?
A: The city will no longer destroy the personal property of unhoused individuals during encampment cleanups. Instead, officials will work with unhoused individuals to find alternative housing options and provide support services.
Q: What measures are in place to protect the rights of unhoused individuals with disabilities?
A: The city has designated a disability coordinator to oversee requests by disabled people for reasonable accommodations before and during an encampment cleanup.
Q: What funding is being reinvested in homeless programs?
A: The city is reinvesting $600,000 in homeless programs and resources, which will be used to support services and programs aimed at addressing homelessness in San Bernardino.
