Robbi Montoya

Protesters gathered outside Berkeley’s old city hall building on Sunday to urge the city to open more emergency warming shelters for unhoused residents as intense winter rains and an atmospheric river continue to sweep the city.

As a month of heavy rainfall and cold weather continue, houseless individuals face an onslaught of foreseen challenges. 

Berkeley’s housing shelters are again confronted with the challenge of providing sanctuary for the unhoused community amidst ongoing capacity restrictions.

Berkeley’s first 24-hour sheltered space for the unhoused community is opening July 1 in West Berkeley, operated by Dorothy Day House in partnership with Rebuilding Together East Bay-North and the city of Berkeley.