City of Berkeley Encampment Resolution/RV Buyback Program Interim Evaluation

As communities struggle to address unsheltered homelessness with limited resources, it’s more important than ever to understand the most effective solutions.

In January 2025, the City of Berkeley launched an effort to resolve a longstanding encampment at 2nd and Cedar Street, where most residents lived in oversized vehicles (primarily RVs). The City offered to buy oversized vehicles from residents and provided low-barrier non-congregate shelter with enhanced case management. Residents could choose to participate in one part of the program or both.

At the City’s request, the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative (BHHI) is conducting a scientifically rigorous, independent evaluation to understand what works, what doesn’t, and how future programs can better support people as they move from encampments into shelter and housing.

Interim Results

Findings from January to December 2025 suggest the program is meeting its preliminary goals:
Encampment resolution
•  The encampment has been closed.
High participation 
•  29 of 32 vehicle owners accepted buybacks.
•  41 of 54 eligible residents moved into shelter (43 total participants including partners/family).
Progress toward housing
•  8 residents have exited to permanent housing.
•  8 more expect to move into housing soon.
•  Most residents now have the documents they need for housing and services.
Health and stability
•  Residents are engaging in healthcare and services; no deaths or overdoses have occurred. 
Resident experience
•  After initial skepticism, most residents report positive experiences and do not regret selling their vehicles. 
Challenges
•  The City experienced delays in disposing of the vehicles. Transitions to permanent housing have been slow due to limited housing availability.

Lessons for Future Programs

Several features appear to have increased participation and may be useful in similar efforts:
•  Pair shelter with asset protection: Buying oversized vehicles helped residents preserve value from their primary asset and made it easier to accept shelter. 
•  Maintain flexibility: Residents could choose the buyback, the shelter, or both, and could stay with partners, pets, and family. 
•  Use a low-barrier model: Private rooms and fewer restrictions made shelter easier to accept. 
•  Build trust early: Outreach before offers were made, along with clear prioritization, helped reduce skepticism. 
•  Ensure strong on-site services: Case management and healthcare supported stability and progress. 
•  Prioritize permanent housing exits: Long-term success depends on timely moves into permanent housing.