The new Fremont Homeless Camp Camp is among the most difficult in California – East Bay Times

Over the fierce objections by the defenders of the homeless and service providers, Fremonth, the fourth largest city in the Bay area, adopted one of the strictest bans on camping everywhere in the region and California.

At 6-1 votes on Tuesday night, the City Council approved the ordinance forbidding all public property and allows prosecutors to blame anyone who “supports” or “nourishes” a homeless camp.

The punishment for violating the new law is a fine of up to $ 1,000 and up to six months in prison. It comes into force after 30 days.

Fremont employees support the goal is not to criminalize homelessness, but instead give employees the “power to change behavior” of those living in camps. They say they do not intend to arrest homeless people or service providers.

Mayor Raj Salvan said that city officials will continue to work with local non -profit and district organizations to provide mental health and addiction services and to help find housing for the estimated 600 homeless people living on the street. The city has a homeless shelter with only about 45 beds.

“The question is how to balance compassion with accountability,” Salvan said during the council meeting on Tuesday.