'Tent City' For Oakland's Homeless

"While the tent city would house only 45 individuals or families out of an estimated 1,000 chronically homeless people in Oakland, it would be part of a broader initiative the city would undertake over a three-year period. The goal would be to move all encampment residents into temporary housing with services that would include substance abuse counseling, job preparation and links to permanent housing. The annual estimated cost of the tent city and services is $971,704."

"There is an acute need in the city for housing for the city's homeless population. Residents confront daily the problems of homelessness including vagrancy, panhandling, illegal dumping and worse. Oakland's chronically homeless residents -- those with physical disabilities, mental illness or substance abuse issues who eschew traditional shelter life -- have an array of special needs, illustrating the need for a more comprehensive solution."