As San Jose ramps up sweeps, advocates mobilize to protect homeless residents

AS SAN JOSE TURNS UP the heat on abolishing homeless encampments, advocates have organized to prevent unhoused residents from losing what little they have.

The Rapid Engagement Support Team (REST) works to assist homeless residents caught up in sweeps. REST aids with recovering a person’s property after a sweep, providing information on how to get back towed vehicles and educating individuals on their rights. The grassroots group helps file requests to extend a disabled person’s time in an encampment, provides meals and supplies, works to find people housing and more. REST is modeled after the Rapid Response Network, a network of volunteers providing information and assistance during U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) raids.