"The sanctioned encampment in the lower portion of the San Lorenzo Park known as the Benchlands has been in its current location since April of 2021. Although the court injunction that forced the creation of this camp has been lifted, the region has lacked the available shelter capacity necessary to fully close the encampment. Instead, this encampment has continued as a central site for those living unhoused within the City limits and as an alternative when other unsanctioned encampments need to be closed, as was the case with Lot 27 and the cemetery encampments in January. Limited services such as trash collection, portable toilets, and water have been provided. The Benchlands sanctioned encampment was never intended to be long-term, and with the creation of new emergency shelter capacity through the CSSO, Benchlands campers will be offered more stable, appropriate shelter locations when the Benchlands is closed in Summer 2022. Through the establishment of sufficient emergency shelter capacity across the region, our goal is to eliminate the use of the Benchlands for purposes of emergency shelter and restore the area as a community park."

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~L Imwalle