Capt. Don Gross, Northeast District

Written by Capt. Don Gross, Northeast District

 

Navigating the complex issue of homelessness requires a delicate balance of compassion and practicality. While it’s essential to enforce new legislation that sets parameters on encampments across the city, we must also approach this challenge with empathy and understanding. By recognizing the humanity of our unhoused neighbors and providing them with the necessary support and resources, we can work towards creating a safer and more inclusive community for everyone. This dual approach ensures that we address the immediate concerns of public safety and sanitation while also fostering long-term solutions that uplift and empower those in need.

The Fresno Police Department, in conjunction with City of Fresno Homeless and Housing, comprise the Home Assistance Response Team, known as HART.  The purpose of the team is to provide a field response to issues that unhoused can create in your neighborhood.  Whether it be homeless camps, sleeping in public spaces or private property, or gathering of items that cause blight, the HART team is there to assist.  

During 2024 HART responded to 4851 homeless camps, contacted 6966 subjects and made 254 arrests for FMC 10-2101 (Camping in a Public Place).

FMC 10-2101 was enacted at the end of September to curb the homeless camps that had spread around the city.  In October the City enacted FMC 10-2501, which strengthened trespassing laws, allowing private business owners to enforce private property rights against trespassers at a privately owned location open to the public.  What this allows business owners to do is prohibit persons from remaining on any business premises, after being asked to leave.

So, what does this mean for you?  It means that you have options if you observe homeless people that are taking up residence or creating blight in your neighborhood.  The quickest and most effective way to alert the HART unit is to use the FresGo App.  Log in and make a report under illegal dumping/ litter or blocked sidewalk.  Please make sure to take a picture of the issue and attach it to the request.  When you enter this information it goes directly to the field response personnel, both City and Police Department, so that they can respond.  If you are not that computer friendly, then a simple call to 311 will also begin the process.  We really urge folks to use the app on their phone because it allows them to attach the picture of the issue, and you know that a picture is worth a 1000 words!