Up First from NPR A Tiny Plot to Call Home
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Oct 19, 2025 Shaina Sheely, a producer for Snap Judgment, shares her compelling experiences documenting a year-long story of the Union Point Park encampment in Oakland. She reveals the residents' fierce fight against city clearings, turning a tent city into a community oasis. Shaina discusses their unique co-governance model, granting autonomy over their living conditions, and the emotional factors influencing their placement choices. Through it all, Shaina highlights the resilience and unity of the people as they navigate the complexities of homelessness.
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A Park That Felt Like Home
- Union Point Park residents described the site as a surprising oasis with sunsets, sailboats, and a beach-like feel.
- Residents formed a tight-knit community that treated each other like family and watched out for one another.
Sweeps That Destroyed Belongings
- City cleanups used machines, law enforcement, and garbage trucks that often destroyed people's tents and belongings.
- Residents lost essentials and irreplaceable items, and communities were frequently split apart during sweeps.
Shelter Offers Often Miss Autonomy
- Many people rejected city shelter offers because they lacked autonomy, privacy, and dignity.
- Oakland's Community Cabins often lacked running water or cooking and saw high return rates to the streets.
