Priorities - Unhoused & Underserved
Homelessness Solutions for Fremont: Kimberlin is all ‘WALK’!
Serving the Fremont community, both as a public servant and as a leader within the local nonprofit sector, is the driving force behind Councilmember Kimberlin’s tireless commitment to her city. She is a hands-on leader who engages directly with small and large businesses, homeowners, and the talented youth in Fremont’s schools, as well as the unhoused and underserved. Kimberlin’s approach is rooted in presence, connectivity, partnership, and a deep belief that every member of the community deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.
“She’s all ‘WALK.’! I’m very passionate about leadership so I’ve been appreciating her example and the way she operates.”
~ Barry Taimani, Founder, Melino Foundation
One of the pillars of Councilmember Kimberlin’s commitment to public service is advancing meaningful progress that requires sustained effort and strong collaboration among local businesses, nonprofit organizations, residents, and City and County government partners.
By meeting with service providers, working alongside nonprofit leaders, and visiting unhoused service sites throughout the Bay Area to study what is working in other communities, she came to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing homelessness. Examining successful models firsthand, Kimberlin has focused on identifying practical strategies that can be adapted and implemented to fit Fremont.
Some of the service sites she has visited and nonprofit partners she has worked with include:
Melino Foundation - helping those who have experienced trauma find Christ-centered peace through recovery and support communities, equipping them into healthier lives.
San Jose, Safe Sleeping Site, a business and government partnership to provide temporary shelter and wrap-around services for the unhoused.
Move Mountain View, nonprofit coordinating Safe RV Parking with wrap around services.
Tri-City Volunteers and Mobile Food Pantry
Abode Services, housing and wrap around services
One Nation Dream Makers, food recovery and delivery.
Daily Bowl, food recovery.
Lifeline Housing - Inventing new ways to address the housing needs of our most vulnerable citizens, by designing and building efficient tiny housing units.
As a councilmember, Kimberlin voted against Fremont’s controversial camping ordinance in February 2025. Although the measure ultimately passed despite her opposition, she subsequently brought forward a referral to revise the ordinance by removing the “aiding and abetting” clause—an important change aimed at protecting nonprofits and ensuring first responders could continue serving the unhoused with compassion and without legal ambiguity. The Council approved her referral, and the ordinance was amended in accordance with her recommendations.
A cornerstone of Kimberlin’s efforts to advance meaningful solutions for Fremont’s unsheltered population began with her sponsorship of a community screening of Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness. The event brought together more than 200 community leaders, nonprofit partners, and resource organizations, and included participation from the film’s producer and cinematographer.
That dialogue between the respected attendees continues through the Community Action Forum on Homelessness, created by Kimberlin to sustain collaboration and accountability, with focus on practical, locally relevant next steps. By working collaboratively across jurisdictions, Fremont can accelerate comprehensive solutions and achieve greater efficiency, coordination, and long-term sustainability.
Barry Taimani, Founder of Melino Foundation put it this way;
“Bringing people from all sides to the table to collaborate is how you create change. Councilmember Kimberlin is an expert at doing just that!”
Councilmember Kimberlin listens carefully to her D3 residents’ concerns and applies her findings and decisions to help all of Fremont. She is anxious to hear how she can support you. Send your concerns and suggestions to Councilmember Kimberlin and show your support.
Councilmember Kimberlin in Action
Videos and Articles
Documentary on unhoused motivates public action
An after event write-up of Councilmember Kimberlin’s Beyond the Bridge program (Tri-City Voice, December 2, 2025)
Beyond the Bridge, a screening and panel discussion hosted by Councilmember Kimberlin
This video was created by Kevin, a Fremont student I’ve had the privilege of mentoring. His interest in homelessness began during his BART rides a couple years ago, where he started to see the issue not only as a personal concern, but as a challenge facing our city and region.
As his mentor, I encouraged him to think about homelessness through a local governance lens—considering the role of public policy, community responsibility, and balanced solutions that address both compassion and accountability. I introduced him to others who serve and with lived experience. This video reflects Kevin’s thoughtful contribution to an important civic conversation and his engagement as a young resident invested in Fremont’s future.
Councilmember Kimberlin is hands-on with Melino Foundation
Melino foundation, Lifeline Housing & Kathy Kimberlin “Brainstorming Session”
CalMatters homelessness reporter Marisa Kendall: 10/17/2025
“We’ve listened to and empathized with a multitude of community members,” said Councilmember Kathy Kimberlin at Tuesday’s meeting, where the council voted 6-1 to jettison the clause. “Clarifying this ordinance is especially important for us. For decades, I think all of us… have worked with and supported the critical work of our non-profits and our faith-based organizations, who often work with government and often do what government cannot do.”
City Council Meeting March 4, 2025