City work crews started clearing a homeless encampment in San Jose Tuesday morning.
People living in tents or RVs around Columbus Park were given two weeks to move.
Homeless advocate Shaunn Cartwright handed out water, fruit and hygiene kits throughout the day.
“This is what happens is you have a guy who’s mentally ill, deeply, and he’s sitting here trying to push his own van by himself when it’s 95 degrees,” Cartwright said.
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The city says because the encampment lies under the San Jose airport’s flight path, they are required to keep the area clear of birds, trash or campfire smoke.
“This does nothing to help get any of those people housed, and it’s not for any reason other than to make it look like you’re doing something,” Cartwright said.
Some people just moved their things across to the city-owned area.
Sandra Uecho lives at that encampment with her children and three grandchildren including 7-year-old Mila and one-month-old Liya.