San Jose Shuts Down Notorious Tent City for Homeless

The city of San Jose moved Thursday to close “the Jungle,” a sprawling homeless encampment that drew national attention and came to symbolize the economic gulf in prosperous Silicon Valley, the San Jose Mercury News writes. Under heavy pressure from nearby residents and regional water-quality regulators, city officials had broadcast plans for months to clear the shantytown, which spread over 68 acres through central San Jose along a creek.

San Jose spent $4-million working with nonprofit groups to relocate the up to 300 people who lived in filthy conditions in the camp. Ray Bramson, who heads the city’s homelessness response, said 144 people had been placed in housing, 55 had received subsidy vouchers, and 70 to 80 more beds have been opened up in shelters. Charity workers fanned out through the camp offering temporary placements, but many departing residents told the Mercury News they did not know where they would go.