Cities crack down on homeless encampments. Advocates say that’s not the answer

By CLAIRE RUSH, JANIE HAR and MICHAEL CASEY
Associated Press

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — More cities across the U.S. are cracking down on homeless tent encampments that have grown more visible and become unsafe. Records obtained by The Associated Press show attempts to clear or to mitigate encampments increased in cities from Los Angeles to New York as public pressure grew on officials. Homeless people and their advocates say encampment sweeps are cruel and costly, and there aren’t enough shelter beds or treatment for everyone. But government officials say it’s unacceptable to let encampments fester and people need to accept offers of shelter or treatment, if they have a severe mental illness or addiction.