Since September, Fresno’s camping ordinance has aimed to curb illegal camping in public spaces by offering services to those living on the streets while enforcing penalties for those who refuse help. The ordinance, implemented after a Supreme Court ruling that allowed cities to enforce bans on public sleeping, has sparked both praise and criticism.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer explained that the city’s approach begins with outreach efforts, offering shelter and services to homeless individuals. “The first step is asking them to leave, offering services or shelter. But those who refuse, or repeat offenders who remain in the same locations, are subject to being arrested or cited,” Dyer said.
According to the mayor, around 70% of individuals approached by officers and service workers have accepted treatment or shelter. However, 223 arrests have been made for those who declined assistance. Dyer pointed to a decrease in illegal encampments, citing the success of efforts near Santa Clara and G streets in downtown Fresno. “We had about 70 people living there for a long period. On November 1st, we conducted an operation and 45 of them accepted housing, while others were moved along,” Dyer shared.
Despite some successes, encampments persist, particularly near Divisadero and H streets in central Fresno, a state-owned area. The city is in discussions to establish a cross-access agreement with the state to allow outreach workers to address encampments on state property. “We are trying to get a cross-access agreement that would allow our people to address encampments along the freeways and on state land,” Dyer explained.
However, the ordinance has faced criticism from unhoused advocates, including Dez Martinez, CEO of “We Are Not Invisible.” Martinez argues that the ordinance has exacerbated mental health issues among the unhoused. “Sleep deprivation has become a serious issue, leading to increased anger and animosity. The sweeps have made it harder for people to trust that help is available,” she said. Martinez also pointed out that many of the unhoused in the Tower District have been previously arrested, raising questions about the ordinance’s effectiveness. “What does that ordinance do? They’re right back here again,” she added, gesturing to the street.
Martinez also criticized the limited treatment options available, claiming that 90-day mental health facilities are insufficient for people who need more time to stabilize. “They toss people back onto the street after 90 days, just as they start to get their medication right,” Martinez stated.
The city, however, insists that the length of treatment is determined by the treatment center based on individual assessments. Both Dyer and Martinez agreed that increasing affordable housing is crucial for addressing homelessness in Fresno.
In the coming year, Dyer announced plans for 1,500 new affordable housing units, along with the conversion of six motels into housing over the next three to four years, as part of a broader strategy to combat homelessness.
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