On Tuesday, the City of Antioch coordinated a cleanup effort of a homeless encampment on Wilbur Avenue and cleared the area.
Wilbur Avenue has been an eyesore for many as it had become a makeshift homeless encampment area filled with RV’s, broken down vehicles, tires, trash, and other items. Residents for months have called for the camp to be removed, while others called for more services to be made available.
“The cleanup in Antioch is more than just a citywide effort; it represents a step towards a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community for all residents. In a coordinated endeavor, city departments, Contra Costa County, local tow companies, and vendors have each played specific roles, from planning and logistics to action on the ground. While the financial cost of this operation is currently being assessed, the immediate focus has been on the human aspect of this situation,” stated Reed.
Over the past few months, this publication has posted videos of the encampment and number of RV’s:
- Dec 8, 2023 – 28 RV’s
- Jan 6, 2024 – 31 RV’s — see video
- Feb 3, 2024 – 34 RVs — see video
- March 4, 2024 – 34 RV’s — see video
Reed added that there were over 70 vehicles parked and 48 were able to leave the premises on their own while 22 had to be towed. None of the vehicles were reported stolen.
“The 22 that were towed were done with the utmost consideration, safeguarding against any infringement of personal rights and confirming that no vehicles were previously reported stolen,” explained Reed.
This action, while significant, is just a part of our ongoing commitment to revitalizing Antioch, and we welcome the community’s involvement and feedback as we move forward together.
The cost of the cleanup or number of dump loads was not provided Friday.
It is unclear if and when Antioch will clear out other encampments around the city, such as Highway 4 near Lone Tree Way or in the Somersville area.
Tuesday Statement on Cleanup:
Teaming up to revitalize our community.
Today, numerous City departments partnered to clean up Wilbur Avenue. With a coordinated effort that included our Code Enforcement team, Police Department, Public Works, Public Safety & Community Resources Department, the Angelo Quinto Crisis Response Team (AQCRT), Parking Enforcement, and Antioch Animal Services the Wilbur Avenue area has been abated. In total, 70 vehicles were cleared and support services were offered to people and pets at the location. Together, we can make a difference!
We would also like to thank our Contra Costa County partners for their support leading up to today
In August of 2023, the Antioch City Council approved a $1.365 million contract for on-call homeless encampment cleanup services throughout the City of Antioch.
Previous Stories:
- Feb 4 – Antioch Touts 82% Success Rate With Homeless Program
- July 26, 2023 – Antioch to Spend $2.3 Million For On-Call Homeless Encampment Cleanup
- Aug 21, 2023 – Antioch Set to Award $2.3 Million Homeless Encampment Cleanup Contract
- June 28, 2023 – Antioch Mayor Talks Ballot Measure to Fund Crisis Response and Homeless Hotel
- June 14, 2023 – Richmond and Antioch See Largest Gain in Homeless Population in Contra Costa County
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