When someone reports an encampment in San José, it’s usually out of concern – either for the people living there or the impacts on the surrounding community. Encampments can raise complicated emotions. On one hand, they are a visible reminder of our severe housing crisis. On the other hand, they create real challenges for neighborhoods, parks, and businesses. This is where the BeautifySJ Encampment Management Program comes in, working to find a balance between helping those living in encampments and addressing the needs of the broader community.

When an encampment is reported using our Encampment Intake Form, the first thing we do is assess the situation. We visit the location to understand the conditions. Is it near a school or blocking a sidewalk? Are the residents following our Good Neighbor guidelines — like keeping the area clean and organized? These questions help us determine what actions need to be taken.

Not every report results in removal. Our goal is to keep our public spaces safe and clean while also supporting people living in encampments. When possible, we take time to educate encampment residents about our Good Neighbor guidelines and enroll them in our trash services. We even offer a Cash for Trash program, where unhoused residents can receive up to $40 per week on programmable and reloadable debit cards by keeping their encampments clean. For nearly 200 encampments, this proactive service is essential to improving both living conditions for the unhoused and minimizing negative impacts on the surrounding community.

But, there are times when an encampment can’t stay where it is. We have setbacks, or areas where encampments are not allowed, like within 150 feet of schools, public right-of-ways, or situations that pose serious health and safety risks. In these situations, an abatement is usually necessary. We provide at least three days’ notice, and our outreach teams offer shelter options and services to those affected, ensuring they know what resources are available.

We understand that for many in our housed community, seeing an encampment can be challenging. We all worry about safety, cleanliness, and how these situations may affect our neighborhoods. At the same time, it’s important to recognize the compassion we feel for those living in encampments. Many are at their most vulnerable, doing their best to survive in difficult and uncertain circumstances. This is why we emphasize cooperation. When unhoused residents work with us to keep their spaces clean and follow the Good Neighbor guidelines, we can focus on providing trash services and helping them maintain a manageable and safer living situation.

The reality is, San José’s housing crisis won’t be solved overnight, and we are committed to long-term solutions like increasing the supply of dignified housing. In the meantime, it’s crucial that we manage the current situation with empathy and respect for everyone involved. Reporting an encampment helps us ensure that both unhoused individuals and the broader community are supported. We all share the goal of a cleaner, safer San José, and the BeautifySJ Encampment Management Program is one of the ways we’re working toward that goal while honoring the humanity of everyone in our city.

BeautifySJ is part of the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services Department. Through strong partnerships with external partners and departments like Housing and Transportation, we’re all working together to create a safer community for everyone who calls San José home.