Nearly all of the estimated 50-80 residents of the homeless camp on Deschutes Parkway had vacated it by 4:30 p.m. today, and approximately a quarter of the former camp is now cleared of debris.
Several campers contacted on Deschutes Parkway today told The JOLT that they have been provided rooms in various hotels in this area. Some could not say how long the hotel rooms are promised; one said she was expecting to be moved again on Jan. 3.
Throughout the day, the city maintained a table to provide physical and social resources to those who had not yet left the camp.
Protestors held signs along 5th Avenue SW opposing the closure of the camp. Various volunteers assisted the camp residents to gather their belongings and prepare to be moved. Several campers resisted the camp closure but ultimately vacated the property.
City council promises continuing supports
During the Olympia City Council meeting yesterday, city staff explained that support services are already in place for campers affected by the closure.
“The decision to close this camp was not an easy one…nothing is harder to make a decision that impacts people [in] a difficult way,” Olympia City Manager Jay Burney said. He also assured that the city had managed to secure rooms at three area hotels to accommodate 40-50 campers who are affected by the removal.
In addition, Burney noted that the campers will receive case management services to help them to find a more permanent alternative.
Burney explained that there are two primary reasons for the removal of the camp. One is for public safety since there have been multiple violent incidents there in recent months. Another reason is that the property owners wanted to clear the property.
Outgoing Councilmember Reneta Rollins expressed her emotions about the closure of the camp. She shared her sentiments regarding the situation by saying, “I hope that despite our differences, we can somehow come together…of recognizing how much grief this injustice does to anybody.”
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Cobbnaustic
Bye Bye.
Thursday, December 9, 2021 Report this
JW
It is not "our" responsibility to find housing for chronic transient drug addicts.
What is "our" responsibility is to protect for the common welfare and safety by shipping them off to the appropriate institutions such as jail, prison, forced rehab, or mental facilities.
Thursday, December 9, 2021 Report this
MaKane
As unfortunate as this is, let's also remember that the people living there were squatting on private property, not at a public park or some other public place.
Thursday, December 9, 2021 Report this