SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — San Jose’s largest homeless encampment, known as “The Jungle,” was razed by city workers who hauled away truck-loads of debris, makeshift living structures, and trash.
More than 290,000 pounds of debris and trash was collected, and 57 structures dismantled during the 4-week-long abatement operation, according to Mayor Matt Mahan’s office.
“The Jungle,” also named Coyote Meadows, is a city-owned land parcel near Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and Story Road.
“Located along Coyote Creek, the area must be kept clear to reduce debris and pollutants from entering the waterway and to comply with stormwater permit regulations,” the mayor’s office wrote.
City crews began abatement operations on April 15, and work continued through this week. During that time, 87 “Jungle” residents were moved indoors and were connected to services, city officials said. More than 120 people lived in the encampment.
“Thanks to months of outreach and weeks of tireless work by City staff and contractors, we are nearing the end of our abatement at Coyote Meadows — the city’s last large encampment,” Mahan said. “In just one month, most residents who were living in unsafe, unmanaged conditions have moved indoors. As we improve our shelter system and increase throughput, more unhoused neighbors will be able to take that same step.”
The abatement followed a 50-day outreach period during which city staff developed a list of names of people who were living at the sprawling encampment. “Jungle” residents were urged to leave the area, sign up for interim housing opportunities, and move indoors.
Signs posted around the encampment in February read, “You are trespassing and must remove all of your property from this location. After the abatement, this area will become a No Encampment Zone.”
One homeless man, Hector Martinez, lives along Coyote Creek. He said the city’s promises for housing fell flat for some “Jungle” residents. Martinez told KRON4 in Spanish Friday, “They promised to help us, but they did not help everyone. There’s six or seven of us that did not end up on the housing list. They haven’t housed everyone.”
Martinez said he has been living next to the creek for months. He previously rented a home, but after he couldn’t find a job for work, life became increasingly difficult.
Local homeless advocates said 40 people, many who speak primarily Spanish, received tickets for trespassing.
Advocates wrote, “These 40 residents are not new to The Jungle, they have resided there for some time. Some were told they ‘fell through the cracks’ and weren’t included on the (housing) list. There is nowhere to move that isn’t marked as a No Re-Encampment area which leaves people open to additional tickets, arrest and potentially, ICE interaction, a great fear of some undocumented residents.”
Outreach workers who speak Spanish will continue to offer services to people in the area, according to the mayor’s office. City leaders said demolishing “The Jungle” will protect public spaces and Coyote Creek, as well as strengthen San Jose’s “health, safety, and beauty” for everyone.
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