That hasn’t assuaged advocates, who’ve accused the council of trying to push out the city’s homeless population. They worry the ordinance will have a “chilling effect” on local nonprofits and community groups and deter the city’s roughly 600 residents living on the streets from accepting needed services.

Fremont has enacted one of the most restrictive homeless encampment bans in California, sparking backlash from advocates and nonprofits who fear the ordinance could criminalize efforts to help those who are unhoused.

A Bay Area city passed a new ordinance making it illegal for individuals to “aid and abet” people in homeless encampments on public property. The Fremont City Council voted 6-1 on Tuesday to enact a penalty on individuals “causing,