Homelessness is a complex issue that requires everyone's attention. The City and our numerous partners are doing their part to ensure that homelessness is addressed for the benefit of our residents, community, and those experiencing homelessness. The City has developed a Homelessness Committee comprised of various department staff to develop and implement a plan to connect resources to those unhoused and at-risk of homelessness with the ultimate goal of ending homelessness. The plan will help direct decisions, efforts, and resources in the City of Newark.

Quick Links for Assistance:

City of Newark Encampment Reporting:

Looking for Resources?

The City of Newark offers a dedicated Human Services Information page that is regularly updated. You can view this page by visiting www.newark.org/help.

For a faster response, call Alameda County 211 from your phone: TEXT 898211 or 888-886-9660, their Toll-Free Alternate Number for help. 

211 Alameda County is your one-stop call for 24/7 access to a wide range of services including housing, healthcare, disaster relief, and more. Their free and simple three-digit telephone number connects callers in Alameda County with a live Community Resource Specialist to resources including affordable housing, job training, childcare, legal assistance, emergency shelter, food, transportation, etc. 

Dial 2-1-1 to speak with a Community Resource Specialist. Confidential help is available in over 300 languages.

Reporting an Encampment:

If there is a medical or psychiatric emergency or imminent safety hazard - including a fire, threat/damage to life or property - call 9-1-1. 

To report an encampment, please complete a service request using the Encampment Reporting Form. 

The City of Newark does not have authority to remove encampments on railroad property (including railroad tracks and crossings) or state property (including freeway on/off ramps). Other public agencies are responsible for addressing and coordinating the removal of these encampments. Any submissions received related to non-City property will be forwarded to the responsible jurisdiction. The City encourages you to report the issue directly to the responsible agency. 

Next Steps After Submission:

After reviewing each Encampment Reporting Form submission, the City will take the following steps and actions as appropriate. 

  1. Location Review: Determine if the encampment is in a public right-of-way or on private property. If on private property, the City of Newark will contact and work with the property owner to remove the encampment. 
  2. Site Assessment: City staff will visit the location to assess the situation and offer any individual(s) present access to resources and relocation assistance. 
  3. Public Property: If the encampment is within the City of Newark's public right of way, a Notice of Removal of Personal Property from City Property may be issued. This provides individuals with 72 hours to remove their items and vacate the property prior to removal at which time, the City will clean the area and remove and store any personal items for a limited period of time.

Please be assured that the City is committed to promptly evaluating all reported encampment locations. We are actively collaborating with our network of community partners to ensure a swift and effective response. We appreciate your patience while we evaluate each situation and act in a manner that is consistent with legal requirements.