City officials have issued a mandatory notice to close a homeless encampment. The formal notification stated that all the tents must be removed no later than July 17.
“The posting is being made now because the organizers have refused the city’s offers, and because the city is increasingly concerned about public health and safety at the site,” the city said in a statement issued Friday.
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Officials informed that the camp has been a scenario of criminal acts since it was established. There have been two stabbings and an overdose death in the camp. The encampment unsanitary conditions have also created serious neighborhood problems.
“Neighbors along the Parkway and in the surrounding neighborhoods, despite showing admirable patience understandably grew alarmed by reports of human feces, needles and other health violations at the site which is not suitable for camping,” the city said.
The encampment of about 100 people formed along the Parkway last month as a way to protest the lack of affordable housing.
This comes after four weeks of negotiations between city officials and the people living there.
However, the city says it will offer services to the camp residents before the closure. Officials will hold a “Homeless Connect” resource event on July 15 and 16. Representatives from the departments of Health, Behavioral Health and Homeless Services will be present on the Parkway near the camp.
Liz Hersh, Director of the Office of Homeless Services, said the intention is to develop lines of action to achieve a solution to their housing situation. “Teams will offer to work intensively with participants to connect them to services and begin the process of developing a plan that will lead to permanent housing,” Hersh said.
It is obvious that the removal itself will not solve this complex problem. That is why the “Homeless Connet” plan is a necessary and proper initiative.
“It is the City’s goal that by the end of next week, everyone in that camp will have a plan and a place to go right away if the camp organizers allow. We are heartbroken that we have not been able to do more to help people. This camp cannot continue, but the unmet needs of homeless people remain. And we remain resolute in our work to end homelessness,” the Director stated.
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