Berkeley, California · Est. 2024 · 501(c)(3)
We are the unhoused — a membership union organizing for dignity, housing, and civil rights in Berkeley. Not a charity. A union.
About Us
"The goal is really to uplift the voices of unhoused people and their experiences and to bargain for fair treatment. As a union, there is power in numbers."
— Yesica Prado, Co-Founder
The Berkeley Homeless Union was founded in July 2024 by Yesica Prado and Gordon Gilmore in direct response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, which gave cities the green light to criminalize homelessness even when no shelter exists.
We are a membership organization of people who are or have been unhoused. As a union, we hold legal standing to file lawsuits, submit ADA accommodation requests, and negotiate with the city — without waiting for a nonprofit to act on our behalf.
We conduct on-the-ground outreach across Berkeley's encampments, going from RV to tent, building collective power one member at a time.
Legal Standing
As a membership union, we can file federal lawsuits and ADA accommodation requests directly on behalf of our members — giving unhoused people direct power in court.
Mutual Aid
We run on-the-ground outreach across Berkeley's encampments, connecting residents with support and building collective power community by community.
Political Accountability
We engage Berkeley officials, candidates, and the public — demanding the city live up to its progressive values and treat all residents with dignity.
Explore
Find the sweep map, federal lawsuit updates, press coverage, event calendar, and ways to get involved on dedicated pages.
Explore the map page for active disputes, cleared encampments, and the latest site-by-site coverage.
Court BattleFollow BHU’s ongoing litigation, key rulings, and how the court case is shaping Berkeley's sweep policy.
PressRead reporting from local and national outlets on the union, sweeps, and civil rights claims.
EventsGet the latest dates for community meetings, trainings, marches, and courthouse support actions.
Get InvolvedBecome a member, donate, volunteer, or follow the union for direct action and legal support.