On Friday, Stockton officials cleared a homeless encampment on Church Street near St. Mary’s Community Services, where a new low-barrier shelter is planned. The cleanup involved removing wood pallets, tents, mattresses, and other items, which, while considered trash by the city, held significant value for those experiencing homelessness.
“It might be very little looking at it from a different point of view, but for us, it means a lot,” said Cutie Khara, a resident of the encampment, who emphasized the sense of community they shared. While many understood the city’s decision, Khara noted, “Displacement is not a solution.”
Residents received a 72-hour notice before the cleanup, with some acknowledging the positive impact of removing hazards like broken needles from the area. “It’s good because, you know, there’d be kids out here,” said Blake Williams, another resident.
The city did not confirm if the cleanup was directly tied to the new 300-bed shelter planned at St. Mary’s, which is expected to open in December. However, officials noted that cleanups are generally conducted in response to complaints, infrastructure needs, and crime concerns.
