Homeless Camps In Colorado Springs
Homeless camps lined Fountain Creek some three years ago in Colorado Springs. Since then the city enacted a no camping ordinance, so homeless camps are now prohibited on city land without a permit.
The homeless camps are less visible, but have not gone away. Only this week have signs of them become more visible near downtown Colorado Springs. KRDO NewsChannel13 talked to one homeless man Monday afternoon. He wanted to remain anonymous, but said he has lived under a bridge at I-25 and Cimarron for months.
About six or seven other people call the bottom of the bridge home, but the Colorado Springs Police’s Homeless Outreach Team came to the camp on Friday and warned everyone they had to move out or face possible jail time.
It is illegal to have homeless camps in Colorado Springs, but it is not stopping those in need, especially because bridges provide a good respite from the winter weather.
“Under the bridge is a wind block. The cars driving on it keep it warm, so it is pretty warm under there,” said the homeless camper.
For now, the camper said he plans to find a different place to camp until he is able to return to a shelter in January. He said he found a place where he can set up a tent and propane tank, so he will be warm for the new year.
