Berkeley Homeless Encampment Cleared After Disease Outbreak, Lawsuits

Berkeley, California – City officials on Tuesday began clearing a homeless encampment at 8th and Harrison streets, nearly two years after a deadly leptospirosis outbreak linked to rats sickened residents and led to one death.

The order to vacate affects nearly two dozen individuals residing among makeshift shelters and garbage, an area previously declared a fire hazard and public nuisance.

The leptospirosis outbreak, which occurred in 2025, marked the first known cases of the bacterial infection in Berkeley in over a decade. The disease spreads through the urine of infected animals. Activists reported that more than 200 rats were being bred within an RV at the encampment.

Efforts by the city to dismantle the camp were previously blocked by a lawsuit filed by the Berkeley Homeless Union. However, last week, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen rejected the advocates' request for a long-term postponement, paving the way for the city's action. Chen approved the camp's closure, stating the city could proceed "in short order."

As part of the ruling, homeless advocates are required to submit proposals for alternative encampment locations for the displaced residents, which the city will then review. The judge also mandated that the city provide special accommodations for residents with disabilities living at the site. Yesica Prado, president of the Berkeley Homeless Union, told KTVU that while she requested accommodations for 19 individuals with disabilities, only seven were approved, and she believes the city is not fully complying with the court order.

Local businesses had also sued the city, alleging that Berkeley had allowed public nuisances to persist unchecked. During a federal court hearing, Assistant City Attorney Katrina Eiland cited daily open flames and rats running among residents as evidence of the hazardous conditions.

Residents affected by the sweep expressed uncertainty about their next steps. Elester Shelton told KTVU he was "in limbo," unsure of where he would go. Malia Goulart described the clearance as unfair and urged the city to provide assistance rather than displace individuals.

Mayor Adena Ishii's office issued a statement emphasizing that clearing an encampment is not a solution in itself but rather a relocation of the visible problem. The statement reiterated the city's commitment to addressing homelessness by securing long-term, stable housing for individuals.

Individuals living in vehicles were permitted to remain, while those who refused to leave the encampment faced potential arrest or citation.