Berkeley activist urges council to prioritize emergency response for unhoused during storms

During the Berkeley City Council meeting on December 10, 2024, community advocate Andrea Pritchett raised urgent concerns about the city’s approach to public safety and emergency response, particularly regarding the unhoused population. Pritchett, who is affiliated with Berkeley Cop Watch and is a local teacher, highlighted the inadequacies of current emergency services in addressing the needs of vulnerable residents during severe weather events.

Pritchett's remarks were prompted by a proposal to allocate funds for hybrid police patrol vehicle supplies, which she argued detracts from essential services for the unhoused. She emphasized that public safety encompasses more than policing; it includes ensuring that individuals without stable housing are protected from life-threatening conditions, especially during extreme weather like the recent atmospheric river that hit the area.

She recounted a distressing incident involving a disabled woman living in a tent near Old City Hall, who was at risk during a recent rainstorm. Pritchett described her attempts to seek help from the city’s Special Care Unit (SCU), only to be met with bureaucratic barriers and a lack of immediate response. She noted that the SCU was instructed not to assist encampments without police presence, which she argued undermines the city’s commitment to providing a 24/7 emergency response for those in need.

Pritchett's testimony underscored a critical gap in the city’s emergency response framework, calling for a reevaluation of how resources are allocated to support the most fragile members of the community. Her passionate appeal highlighted the pressing need for a more compassionate and effective approach to public safety that prioritizes the well-being of all residents, particularly those facing homelessness.

The discussions at the meeting reflect ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness and public safety in Berkeley, raising questions about the city’s priorities and the effectiveness of its emergency response systems. As the council considers future funding and policy decisions, the implications of Pritchett's concerns will likely resonate with community members advocating for a more inclusive and responsive approach to public safety.