Homeless Advocates Seek Injunction Against Novato

BY OLIVIA WYNKOOP

NOVATO, CA — Residents of "Camp Compassion", the homeless encampment in Lee Gerner Park, along with housing activists, are seeking an injunction against the City of Novato's recent steps towards disassembling the camp and cracking down on daytime camping.

Recently, city officials approved a 4-step action plan to address homelessness, with the ultimate goal to provide interim housing for residents of the encampment.

In the first step, Novato will prohibit all day camping between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. in city jurisdiction, and overnight camping within 50 feet of "critical infrastructure" like government buildings, utility facilities, train stations and water sources.

Novato is also investing $240,000 to hire more case managers and work with nonprofit Homeward Bound of Marin for immediate housing, food, job placement and other services.

Priority is given to those at Camp Compassion, but accepting services are voluntary.

In a press release, city officials said these actions are crucial per preserve Lee Gerner Park as a place "that everyone can enjoy."

"Our initial focus is to help those at Lee Gerner Park and provide them with immediate housing and resources," said City Manager Adam McGill.

"We recognize this process has been challenging, but what's important is we developed a strategic and thoughtful plan that balances the greater good for the greatest number of Novatans."

The city says that the ordinances will not "criminalize homelessness", force people to go into housing or eliminate the encampment, so long as it keeps its distance from Novato Creek and the library, according to their website. City staff have already put down 50-feet buffers at Lee Gerner Park to identify where the camp residents can reside at night.

Those who continue to camp near critical infrastructure or day camp will be "subject to enforcement of the ordinances which may include arrest," the city's press release reads.

Camp Compassion residents and the Novato Chapter of the California Homeless Union feel these actions are more of a threat than ample resources. In their filed lawsuit, they argue that these policies are specifically targeted against those in Lee Gerner Park, and the homeless population in Novato as a whole.

The group also alleges that these policies will increase the risk of harm, especially the ordinance to prohibit day camping, as homeless individuals will have to frequently move around the city if they cannot find shelter.

"[...] Platintiffs are forced to constantly walk the streets, made to carry or leave behind vital survival items or hide in dangerous locations where there is no relief from the elements," the filed lawsuit reads.

In response, the City of Novato says it's "disappointed" to hear about the filed suit, as this could delay the services that the camp demanded, which is immediate housing with resources.

"The City went to great lengths to develop a compassionate and thoughtful plan for this issue that would have met the concerns expressed by the occupants of LGP, considered COVID precautions, and complied with federal law, all of which would have been a win win for the homeless and the restoration of Lee Gerner Park," said City Manager Adam McGill in a statement.

"We're confident the City will ultimately be able to help those that truly need and desire these vital services."

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