San Jose skips housing offers for some homeless residents - San Jose Spotlight

"The city appears to be giving preferential treatment to homeless residents living in large encampments like Columbus Park and the reestablished Jungle in East San Jose, when it comes to outreach and offers of temporary housing. The fallout from the city bypassing offers of housing to people living in smaller camps could result in longer periods of homelessness, leading to mental and physical issues, advocates said."

"While the city prepares to clear the Jungle with promises of housing for the roughly 100 people living there, homeless people encamped near The Plant shopping center in South San Jose have been ignored and even arrested. Homeless residents said they have been traumatized by recent encounters with the San Jose Police Department."

"Nogueras said police arrested him for trespassing, as well as other people, during a sweep on Jan. 15. He said police showed up with no advance notice, handcuffed him and others and did not allow him to take his backpack, with his insulin medicine inside. Nogueras said he is diabetic and spent several days in jail without medication."

San Jose's homeless services show significant disparities based on encampment size. Large encampments like Columbus Park and the Jungle receive prioritized outreach and housing offers, while smaller camps near locations like The Plant shopping center are swept without housing alternatives provided. Homeless residents in smaller encampments report being arrested, traumatized by police encounters, and denied housing assistance. During sweeps, belongings including essential medications have been confiscated without proper retrieval processes. Advocates warn that bypassing housing offers for people in smaller camps extends homelessness duration and worsens mental and physical health outcomes. The San Jose Housing Department has not responded to inquiries about these disparate practices.

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