San Jose began sweeping Columbus Park, clearing trash, vehicles, and tents from the city's largest encampment that housed about 370 people and 120 lived-in vehicles. City-issued "Do not tow or abate" tags mark RVs whose occupants accepted an RV buyback and placement into temporary housing while they wait for converted motels and safe sleeping sites to open. Casa Linda, the first converted motel, opened with 42 beds and is expected to fill quickly. Many residents report relief about moving into shelter but express uncertainty about where they will go, how long stays will last, and how to secure permanent housing and employment.
"I want to take a shower. I can get back to work as soon as I get cleaned up,"
"I'm a handyman by trade. I haven't bothered looking for a job mainly because I don't have a place to live."
"I'm hoping at least in a year I can be on my feet, (but) finding a place isn't easy."
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