The encampment, which has been the subject of repeated legal battles, remains under the supervision of a federal court. A U.S. District Court judge recently ordered Berkeley and homeless advocates to work together to identify alternative locations for nearly two dozen residents before any closure can move forward.
For many who live at the encampment, the notices brought immediate anxiety.
"Where are we going to go? There's really nowhere for us to go," said resident Jacqueline Mendoza, recalling her reaction after the city posted the notices.
Under the court's order, advocates were required to submit a list of potential relocation sites for residents, while city officials were tasked with approving or rejecting those options by Thursday.
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Robbie Powelson of the Berkeley Homeless Union said advocates spent Wednesday walking potential locations throughout Berkeley alongside city representatives.
"Per the court order, we met with the city and walked different sites across the city looking for where people could go," Powelson said. "The judge ordered the city can't treat people like they're just blowing a leaf blower."
Residents say any future site must provide access to basic necessities that can be difficult to find while living unsheltered.
"Being able to wash your hands, that's a big thing," Mendoza said. "Not being able to wash your clothes, stuff like that, that's a big thing for people to feel okay with themselves and be able to move forward. It's not like I don't want to work. I want to get a job."
In a statement, Berkeley officials said they remain committed to finding a solution that is "lawful, compassionate, practical, and focuses on safety and dignity of everyone involved."
But frustration is growing among nearby businesses, some of which have watched the dispute play out for years.
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"It's taking forever, and frankly it's just gotten worse," said Emily Winston, founder and CEO of Boichik Bagels, whose business operates near the encampment.
Advocates say they remain hopeful a compromise can be reached.
"We remain hopeful that the city is going to take a collaborative approach," Powelson said.
Meanwhile, residents say they are less concerned about where they sleep than whether a lasting solution finally emerges.
"They could manage things better," said encampment resident Alice Barbee. "I think they just want to sweep us under the rug."
Asked whether she would accept housing if it were available, Barbee did not hesitate: "Oh, hell yes. Absolutely."
As of last week, Berkeley officials had not publicly confirmed whether they had accepted or rejected the alternative sites proposed by advocates, leaving the future of the encampment and its residents uncertain as a key court deadline approaches.