Unsheltered Homelessness

People who live in cars and RVs throughout the Bay Area are moving between cities as crackdowns on street encampments ramp up, a trend that pushed Oakland officials to adopt a new policy speeding up tows over concerns the city is becoming a “destination” for displaced residents. BHHI Director Dr. Margot Kushel says that cities are competing in a “race to the bottom” to pass stronger restrictions on encampments than their neighbors.

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.