BERKELEY — City officials on Wednesday announced plans to provide temporary housing for homeless people living in People’s Park, as the city and UC Berkeley prepare to clear the encampments and build student housing on the site.
The plans have sparked controversy for months, with students occupying the park to protest the construction and the displacement of the homeless occupants, and vandals even attacking the homes of UC officials and employees tied to the project. Now, thanks to a $4.7 million state grant and a partnership with UC Berkeley, Abode Services and other nonprofits, city officials say they have the resources to move the park’s residents inside.
“We’re proud to honor the legacy of People’s Park and better meet the needs of our community through an effort that’s deeply reflective of Berkeley’s values,” Mayor Jesse Arreguín wrote in a news release. “This partnership will put a roof over the heads of those living in People’s Park, instead of simply pushing them from one neighborhood to another.”
The city will lease 42 rooms at the recently remodeled Rodeway Inn for one year. People’s Park residents will be provided a private room, kitchenette and bathroom, linens, toiletries and housekeeping. Nonprofit Abode Services will provide daily meal service, access to healthcare and counseling, and housing navigators who will help residents find permanent housing.
The First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley also will work with the city and university to open a new daytime drop-in center for unhoused people on the church’s grounds.
“We are grateful for, and humbled by the coming together of this new alliance in support of a new People’s Park,” UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ wrote. “Together we will provide a true win-win-win for our students, for unhoused members of our community, and for all of the residents of the City of Berkeley.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Source: www.mercurynews.com