A sprawling homeless encampment filled with tents, debris, and trash sits less than three miles from UC Berkeley’s main campus, greeting incoming students as they arrive for the fall semester. The massive camp near student housing on Harrison Street has reignited criticism of Berkeley officials over their handling of the city’s homelessness crisis.

Video Reveals Extent of Encampment

Melendez documented the encampment along the 1150 block of Harrison Street after dropping her son off at university housing. The footage shows dozens of makeshift shelters constructed from cardboard, plastic sheeting, wooden pallets, and other scavenged materials packed tightly together. Personal belongings and debris line the sidewalks, leaving limited space for pedestrians to pass. The California Post visited the site Wednesday and confirmed the extensive encampment near a Tesla service facility, surrounded by student housing and businesses frequented by UC Berkeley students.

The encampment sits at the center of an ongoing legal battle between Berkeley and homeless advocates. City officials have cited serious sanitation concerns, fire hazards, and public health risks in their efforts to clear the camp. Officials specifically raised alarms about a rat infestation and an outbreak of leptospirosis linked to unsanitary conditions at the Harrison and Eighth Street intersection.

Federal Judge Orders Quick Resolution

A federal judge rejected homeless advocates’ attempt to indefinitely delay the city’s clearance plans last week. The ruling requires advocates to submit a list of proposed relocation sites for twenty-three camp residents by August 27. Berkeley officials must review and respond to those proposals, though the order does not mandate acceptance of any suggested locations. The judge indicated he expects the encamplement cleared in short order, while requiring the city to work with disabled residents on accommodations and property storage solutions.

City Faces Mounting Criticism

Berkeley’s City Council has drawn fire for budget decisions that critics say worsen the homelessness situation. The council approved cuts to health department positions and left multiple police positions vacant while the crisis intensifies. Councilwoman Cecilia Lunaparra defended the city’s record, stating Berkeley has moved more people into temporary shelter and permanent supportive housing than any other municipality in northern Alameda County. She acknowledged more work remains and said officials are waiting for Alameda County to unlock additional resources. Neither the Berkeley Police Department nor UC Berkeley provided comment, referring questions to city officials.