Oakland's Homelessness Problems No Longer Hidden
OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- There's been a drastic rise in homeless camps in Oakland and city leaders admit they're struggling to come up with a solution.
In the past year there has been a growing string of tents, lean-to's, even shacks springing up along Oakland's BART tracks and freeways. Most of it is just out of sight of the booming downtown, but sometimes it's right in the middle of the street.
Oakland Councilman Larry Reid said, "Just go out on 85th and International. They take up half a city block."
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said Oakland isn't unique in it's struggle with the homelessness.
"This is not just a problem around shelter. It is a mental health problem. It is a substance abuse problem," Schaaf said.
It's also starting to become a very visible problem for City Hall.
Reid said, "We get complaints almost on a daily basis."
Schaaf said, "We approach these encampments with care and compassion. We do have mobile outreach units that offer services and try and get people into transitional housing."
Homeless outreach worker Ron Frede said he's seeing people getting pushed in from different areas.
And like so many of Oakland's new residents - many of the homeless are coming because they are being pushed out of San Francisco.
Dr. Jason Reinking with S.T.O.M.P said, "People are homeless all over Oakland. Their numbers have risen drastically in the last year and we are kind of overwhelmed with our ability to deal with it."
Reinking said there is spill over from San Francisco.
Schaaf said the city will be piloting tiny homes and will be exploring sanctioned encampments.
