Berkeley Wants to Fund a Tent City for the Homeless

The city of Berkeley has a radical idea for how to build more transitional housing for its sizable homeless population.

1 minute read

July 27, 2017, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Homeless Encampment

Daniel Arauz / Flickr

Ashley Wong reports: "The city of Berkeley passed an innovative new proposal to build more transitional housing for homeless residents this week — and officials say they plan to put a measure on the 2018 ballot to help pay for it."

The decision culminated a process by which the city considered four options for its "Pathways Project," also detailed in another article by Wong from June 2017. In the end, the council decided on the low cost option: "to fund 100 new beds at city-operated temporary and transitional-housing shelter, to the tune of approximately $2.5 million a year."

In another twist to the plan, the housing "will be constructed in the form of a “tent village,” using bungalow-style tent-cabins, along with port-a-potties, mobile showers, trailers for office and storage space, and security fencing around the perimeter." Mike Zint, a member of the First They Came For The Homeless organization is quoted saying what many are probably thinking in the article, calling the idea "like a concentration camp."

Friday, July 14, 2017 in East Bay Express

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Mobile home park at dusk.

Poor Conditions in Mobile Home Parks Put Residents at Risk

Failing infrastructure, poor water and air quality, and predatory owners endanger the health of manufactured home residents, many of whom are elderly and low-income.

May 11 - Next City

Complete Streets

How Complete Streets Stands to Lose in the FY26 ‘Skinny Budget’

The President’s proposed budget could cut key resources for active transportation, public transit, and road safety programs.

May 11 - Transportation for America

Historic Dairy Queen restaurant building with neon signs at night.

Dairy Queen and Rural Third Places

Dozens of Dairy Queen restaurants across Texas are closing, taking a critical community space with them.

May 11 - The Daily Yonder

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.