On Thursday, deputies with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Civil Unit conducted a homeless encampment cleanup operation.
It occurred in an alley near the intersection of E. Shields Ave. and N. Sierra Vista Ave. in Fresno.
The encampment had been in existence for approximately two years and the Sheriff’s Office received many complaints from local residents about it during that time.
Last week, deputies posted notices to vacate the area. Thursday, deputies contacted eight people who remained at the encampment. They were allowed to collect their belongings and then escorted out of the alley without incident. Additional property left behind was collected and is now in storage. Occupants will have the next 90 days to retrieve their remaining possessions. They can do this by contacting the Sheriff’s Office.
Staff members of the Poverello House and Fresno Madera Continuum of Care participated in this process to ensure a positive outcome. Advocates were at the location to assist the homeless and explained the resources available to them in regards to housing placement. Some of the folks chose to accept the help.
Sheriff’s deputies will be patrolling the area on a regular basis to ensure that a homeless encampment is not reestablished in this area.
Members of Fresno Police, the city of Fresno Public Works, Fresno County Public Works and Environmental Health assisted in the process.
To see video of the cleanup, click https://youtu.be/6t_yHyTMjas
