The City of Fremont passed a new ordinance that will make it easier to crack down on anyone helping to build or maintain homeless encampments. But those who regularly assist the unhoused say they could also be at risk.

The ordinance, which prohibits camping on all public property and allows prosecutors to criminally charge anyone “aiding” or “abetting” a homeless camp.

Fremont, California passed a strict ordinance to ban homeless encampments on all public properties, including parks, on a 6-1 city council vote on Tuesday night.

A California city voted to criminalize “aiding” and “abetting” homeless camps Tuesday – an unusual move that advocates say could stifle aid to help for people who need it.