Yes, what is being done to support these poor souls?

Scott, your apologetic attitude is pathetic. What are you doing to support "these poor souls?" How about you invite them to your house? I'm sick of seeing these people out in the streets. There are plenty of outreach programs and housing for these people, they choose not to use it.

Both the original post and your response to mine demonstrate both callousness and false assumptions. First, I have worked individually, though my church, and through non-profit organizations to help homeless people out of homelessness. Most homeless people I've talked to have not chosen to disregard outreach and housing programs. These programs are underfunded and have much greater demand than they can serve. Homelessness is a complex issue that requires so much more than "chasing them out" of one area and SeeClickFixing them away. We have to provide substance abuse services, mental health services, and a number of other supports to transition them to the job market. What would you have done? Chase them from spot to spot until...what? Lock them up, where we really have to pay big bucks to house, feed, clothe, and provide health care while they sit in a cell? Yes, my call for a compassionate response earlier was a little flippant, but being callous toward the homeless and insulting those who are acknowledging the real challenges and complexities of the issue doesn't really help.

Scott- I'm sorry to offend you sir! But how would like it these people are relocated to in front of your HOME!
How would u like it if these same people are urinating,littering, sleeping on your lawn? How would you like it if your guests are being asked for money? How would you like it if your front yard is filled with grocery carts, sleeping bags and trash ????

I do my part for this community... You do yours if you care that much about these able working people.

Yes, it is a complex and difficult problem. Operation Dignity went out and moved some folks from under an overpass a couple of months ago, but they were back within 24hrs. Even if people are placed in shelters, they won't stay if they are drug dependent because they cannot use in shelters. That was probably true of the folks that were moved because there were used hypodermic syringes all around. They may also have mental health issues.

I talk to homeless through my work who will not stay in shelters because they have mental health issues that make them paranoid and distrustful. One man I know of, has been offered services by several different organizations including the local church. He thinks they are all out to get him and sleeps on benches, etc. He is getting older and has worsening medical problems that are not being treated due to his paranoia. He will not stay on medication for his paranoia because he thinks people are trying to poison him and so it continues.

Local resources listed here:

http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/hcd/s/UsefulLinksOtherResources/DOWD008871

Hella Oaklandish - I take no offense. I, too, am bothered by the issue. All the "How would you like" questions have applied to me, too. I am glad that you are doing your part for the community (though I wonder if you consider the homeless as part of your community). I, too, am trying to do what I can.

I am simply trying to make the point that a compassionate response can actually be an effective response. It will not be something that can be "chased away" or easily SeeClickFixed. Instead of having this observation thoughtfully considered, I have been insulted and had false assumptions made about what I myself am doing or not doing about this issue.

OPD came out to investigate. Public works has been notified to come out and remove

The encampment is gone but just relocated them to original spot. Mixed thoughts

Sorry to hear it. Thanks for the update (particularly if there are any City of Oakland folk following this thread who might be able to direct any resources to address the issue).

City of Oakland Public Works Department referred this issue to CALTRANS TRAFFIC, service request # 488036.Please contact that department to follow-up, see “Other Helpful Links” at:
http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/PWA/Connect/ReportaProblem/index.htm#Links.

Here are some important City of Oakland contact points:

Abandoned Autos: (510) 777-8622 (abandoned vehicles on the public street after 3 days)

Animal Control (510) 535-5602 (live animals); (510) 535-4888 (dead animals)

Code Enforcement: (510) 238-3381 (blighted private properties, deteriorated buildings, inoperable vehicles on private property)

Drug Hotline: (510) 238-3784 (tips); (510) 777-3211 (in progress)

Parking Citations (800) 500-6484 (parking citation assistance center, pay or appeal a citation); (510) 238-3099 (enforcement)

Prostitution Hotline: (510) 238-2373 (tips); (510) 777-3211 (in progress)

Thank you.