Homeless being kicked out of Brentwood as spike in transients reported

BRENTWOOD, Calif. (FOX 11) - Police swept through the streets of Brentwood on San Vicente Boulevard forcing the homeless from their tents, and taking some into custody.

"They tell us to get out, get whatever personal belongings and go," said a homeless veteran named Kevin.

"I've had my stuff taken three times now," said Andre Butler, a Veteran who has been living on the streets for a year now.

The street outside Veterans' Affairs has slowly become home to more and more homeless over the past two years.

"I think everyone got the word that this is someplace you can come and not be bothered," said Human Hemmati, a resident who lives nearby. "Once that happened, the streets were filled with trash, sidewalks blocked, crime began to rise as property theft became stolen. I was a victim of an assault myself."

In addition to being a resident, Hemmati also happens to be a physician who treats homeless patients for free at the county hospital. He once worked on a psych rotation for the VA while in college and said back then, more was being done to help vets.

"And they would come out and were largely fine and could be an asset to society."

Kevin said that's all he's hoping for, a little help.

"But if you're waiting for a program, there's not much you can do," he said.

Less than 12 hours after getting cleared off San Vicente, many of the homeless returned Wednesday night. They say they'll keep coming back until they get the help they need.

"I won't quit until the last breath in my body," Butler concluded.