In a concerted effort to address homelessness, the City of Oakland has made significant strides by moving 70 residents from a sprawling encampment on East 12th Street into interim housing at Mandela House. This move, part of a closure operation that began last Monday, directly resulted from the California Department of Housing and Community Development Encampment Resolution Fund Grant, which provided these individuals with a new, albeit temporary, place to call home.
"Oakland leads this work with compassion and respect for our unhoused community, and we are grateful that so many of the residents of this encampment have taken advantage of this opportunity," Mayor Barbara Lee said, as per the City of Oakland. The operation involved not only the relocation of individuals but also enrolled six people in a medical respite care program, emphasizing the city's focus on health, well-being, and shelter.
As part of the process, outreach workers had been engaging with encampment residents individually for over a year, offering shelter and services. Partnering agencies such as Oakland's Fire and Police Departments, MACRO, and other crisis response teams played vital roles in facilitating the transition. Additionally, pets were not forgotten, with Oakland Animal Services providing spay/neuter services and the Human and Pet Initiative offering vaccines and microchipping.
A major clean-up ensued post-relocation, with the city removing 423 tons of debris and over 33 vehicles deemed inoperable or abandoned. The former Extended Stay America Hotel at 3650 Mandela Parkway, now called Mandela House, serves as this interim housing, eventually morphing into 125 units of Permanent Supportive Housing. "I am so grateful for the collaborative efforts of multiple City departments and partner organizations in clearing these encampments in a safe and efficient way while offering shelter to the residents," Oakland City Administrator Jestin Johnson told the City of Oakland.
