Federal Judge Allows Oakland to Clear Wood Street Homeless Encampment to Build Affordable Housing

OAKLAND, CA (KGO) — A federal judge announced at a hearing on Friday that he would soon overturn a temporary restraining order allowing people to live in the Wood Street homeless encampment. Oakland wants to turn the site into affordable housing.

A judge temporarily blocked those plans, telling Oakland officials they must provide residents with housing while they begin construction. Oakland has recently built portable houses on the street and says it can now start placing people, which has led the judge to plan to overturn the order.

“I’m really still speechless,” said Freeway Blalock, a camp resident. “The judge had the opportunity to do the right thing, but they didn’t, so now we have the opportunity to step up and show everyone why we are holding the fort.”

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The camp on Wood Street has been the site of numerous dangerous accidents, including fires and shootings. The city owns the land and plans to provide those living on it with the resources to transition to long-term housing.

“While no final court rulings have been issued regarding the Wood Street Camp, the City remains committed to expanding much-needed affordable housing on City-owned property,” the Oakland City Administration said in a statement to ABC 7. “After the City determines the closing date of the camp, we will place announcements on site to notify residents at least seven days in advance.”

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Oakland said it could start moving 30 people into temporary wearables soon Monday. Camp residents say they plan to stay there.

“It’s the only place I’ve ever felt like I belonged,” Blalock said. “It’s the only thing left for me to fight for.”

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