Oakland Democratic councilman faces resistance after he proposes plan to shut down homeless encampments

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In Oakland, California, District 7 Councilman Ken Houston is facing a push as he works to combat the city’s homeless crisis.

Houston, Democrats both praise and criticize when pushing for solutions.

His plan was introduced Thursday night, and the Auckland government will close camps even if there is no alternative shelter option. Oakland. So far, outreach workers have been asked to provide housing alternatives before camps are cleared. The proposal also allows authorities to cite or arrest people who prohibit camping.

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Homeless camps in Oakland, CA. (Getty)

“The City of Oakland now has a clear constitutional power to prohibit camps in public places,” the Houston report said. “The city no longer takes action based on legal uncertainty.”

“Oakland has a moral obligation to be compassionate but firm in intervention,” Houston told the city reportedly with 5,500. Homeless residents As of last year, according to Oaklandside.

He also argued: “The rapid growth of uncovered populations has led to escalating threats to public safety, health and environmental health. These conditions have reached the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and effective policy solutions.”

Homeless camp litters Auckland sidewalks

The Bay Area of California is known for having many homeless camps like this. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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The Housing & Dignity project, a local advocacy group, is urging the council to reject the proposal. The group believes that “compliances urban policies with the Trump agenda, prioritizing and criminalizing those experiencing homelessness.” According to Oaklandside, it also warns that allowing the living vehicle to tow “only lead to more people living in deeper instability”.

Fox News Numbers Contacted Houston and no immediate reply.