Residents of Columbus Park protested an encampment sweep that will displace many individuals. Over four dozen activists and unhoused residents marched to City Hall voicing their grievances. Community engagement was emphasized as a necessity in addressing homelessness. Rain, a resident impacted by visual impairments, shared her challenges of navigating life at the park and the fear associated with displacement. The city’s promised shelters are delayed, leaving residents without immediate housing solutions. Homeless individuals criticized the lack of support when forced to move.
Rain, a resident who has lived at Columbus Park for a year and a half, has a condition affecting her vision. She said her corneas are thinning, making it hard for her to see. Accessing services such as sanitation and doing other daily activities are difficult, she said.
"It's terrifying," Rain told San José Spotlight. Rain said it's the second time she's been swept. Prior to Columbus Park, she lived at a tiny home but was kicked out because she couldn't keep her living area clean.
Due to the delays in opening the city's first safe sleeping site and motel conversions into homeless housing, promised shelter to Columbus Park residents will not be ready in time.
"They just left me, kicked me out to the street with nothing and threw away all my stuff, all my important documents," she said.
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