With Steve Brandau saying that law enforcement needs new tools to address a “very small subset of obstinate people,” the Fresno County Board of Supervisors made camping in public spaces illegal on Tuesday.

The county’s new Unlawful Camping and Obstruction of Public Rights of Way allows sheriff’s deputies to remove people camped in public spaces. It also establishes possible fines and jail time for offenders.

The ordinance comes after the U.S. Supreme Court allowed governments to set anti-camping rules even if there isn’t available shelter for homeless people — going against a previous court ruling.

Supervisors unanimously approved the ordinance.

And, while opponents say the measure criminalizes homelessness, supervisors said it protects businesses and the public.

“A lot has changed. People are realizing even in very progressive cities that sometimes you need some of these laws to help people help themselves and help people move towards services when they can obstinately refuse,” said Supervisor Brandau.

Related Story: Fresno Approves Anti-Camping Law Despite Raucous Protests

Deputies Clearing 5 Encampments a Year Before Ordinance

Before this ordinance, deputies didn’t have the power to remove people on public property, said Fresno County Sheriff John Zanoni.

On the five encampments they clear a year on private property, deputies provide resources to people who are being moved out. Many homeless advocates at the Tuesday meeting praised the sheriff’s office for giving resources and time to people to gather their belongings.

“We don’t just post a 5-day notice at an encampment and show up on day five and remove people, there’s a process,” Zanoni said.

The ordinance also authorizes a $500 penalty and six months in jail. Zanoni said that would be a last resort for law enforcement.

“We understand that just putting them in jail or arresting them or putting them in the criminal justice system is not going to solve the problem,” Zanoni said.

Related Story: Brandau Wants County to Start Clearing Homeless Encampments

Homeless Advocates Say No-Camping Ordinance Doesn’t Help

Fresno County Chairman Nathan Magsig said there needs to be a return to “norms.”

“I don’t want to see homeless people in parks where kids want to play,” Magsig said. Supervisors also said people camping outside keeps others from shopping at businesses.

But homeless advocates said the county doesn’t have enough resources for homeless people.

A volunteer with the Fresno Homeless Union said the cause of homelessness is poverty and low wages and that the county needs to increase access to social services, especially drug rehabilitation.

She called on Fresno County to set up safe encampments as a transition from homelessness.

Andrea Robinson spoke at the supervisors meeting saying county services helped build her confidence as a “mother and as a Black woman.”

“But when you get a letter like this saying ‘we’re going to help you, but you only have this certain amount of time and then you have to go, and you don’t have any help after that,’ then you’re lost, and you have no choice but to go back to the things that were going on,” Robinson said.

Brandau said even if all county resources could be diverted to homelessness, it would not be enough to solve the issue. He also added that it’s not government’s job to secure housing for everyone.

“It’s not a role of the United States government or the states to provide a house for everyone,” Brandau said. “I could see the day when that changes, but right now, under our United States Constitution. It’s not our role to provide funding for everybody in all circumstances to have a house.”