Oakland: Police Destroy ‘The Promised Land’ Community Village

Editor’s Note: We got this story too late and already Oakland, CA police and city works employees have destroyed a beautiful DIY village on unused public land that was put up in response to the homeless crisis going on in the city and as part of the #Ungovernable campaign. The village was an example of mutual aid and community self-defense in action, as well as what human beings are capable of accomplishing in the face of government, capitalism, and the poverty that they create and ensure through police terror and violence. As with Occupy Oakland, the city government used the excuse of “health and safety” concerns, as an excuse to shut down the takeover. Hopefully land occupations can grow and continue and this is not the end of ‘The Promised Land.’ Check out this original call for support, as well as the social media selections for more info on what went down. 

A resident of the #TheVillage, now #ThePromisedLand, explaining why we need to defend this community sanctuary #homesnow #feedthepeople pic.twitter.com/FFnQ4jDlKw

— The Village, Oakland (@VillageOakland) February 1, 2017

Despite The Village creating safe, sustainable solutions for unhoused residents and an outpouring of community support, DPW has told us that they will be arriving on Thursday to evacuate this land and force vulnerable people back into uncertain situations.

#Oakland public works & OPD break up and evict residents of The Village/Promised Land at 36th and MLK pic.twitter.com/FwSSKv9ibx

— David DeBolt (@daviddebolt) February 2, 2017

We need EVERYONE this Thursday bright and early head to The Village aka The Promised Land to defend the sanctuary of homes, tents and direct services from the police and public works threat to destroy it.

Oakland PD, DPW clearing "the Promise Land," homeless village set up 10 days ago under hwy. 16 slept here under condition they stay sober. pic.twitter.com/bO8fWvfpC9

— Kimberly Veklerov (@KVeklerov) February 2, 2017

Come today and help prepare. Come early tomorrow and stay all night. Check in the night before. We don’t know when they will be coming but we will need everyone to stand with us and push back to RESIST the city’s intervention. If you haven’t already, text HOMESNOW to 797979 to stay up to date on alerts.

Houseless folx around Oakland are calling #TheVillage "the promised land." Join us today for building and BBQ at 36th and MLK. #homesnow pic.twitter.com/XRM1GwR27v

— The Village, Oakland (@VillageOakland) January 29, 2017

Share widely and bring all your folks.

An aerial photo of some of the hard work that's gone into #TheVillage. Join us at Marcus Garvey Park (36th/MLK) #homesnow #feedthepeople pic.twitter.com/FHpLwgYvwm

— The Village, Oakland (@VillageOakland) January 30, 2017

Call the mayor’s office and let them know how you feel about the city refusing to do anything to help its unhoused residents and going out of their way to stop folks who create solutions that offer dignity and respect : (510) 238-3141

#TheVillage get down to 36th and MLK #Oakland NOW dozens of cops trying to kick out residents of tiny home village. #HomesNow #resist pic.twitter.com/1kjLHf84KQ

— Occupy Oakland (@OccupyOakland) February 2, 2017