Police, service agencies prepare homeless for camp eviction in Colorado Springs
Time is running out for the estimated 100 homeless people living in a large illegal camp just southeast of downtown Colorado Springs.
KRDO NewsChannel 13 first reported about the camp last week after it was recently discovered in a secluded area by authorities.
Police have posted notices informing the campers to leave by the morning of Dec. 11 so that the camp can be cleaned, and anyone remaining could be cited in violation of the city’s no-camping ordinance.
On Wednesday, police and a dozen service agencies provided food, medical care and other services to help the campers prepare to move.
The camp is on four privately-owned parcels whose owners have asked police to evict the campers.
Police describe the camp, stretching a half-mile from the intersection of Fountain Boulevard and Wahsatch Avenue to the intersection of Las Vegas and Royer streets, as the largest of its kind ever in the city.
Police said a large group of workers from several city departments will take at least two days to clean the camp.
Many of the current campers said they’ve been forced out of camps several times this year and have no idea where they’ll go next.
Police encourage the campers to stay in one of the city’s two shelters that recently have been expanded, but many campers refuse to for a variety of reasons.
On Wednesday evening, our Skytracker 13 drone brought you the first aerial view of the camp.
City officials ask that anyone who supports increasing shelter space for the homeless, to visit: https://HelpCOS.org or text “HelpCOS” to 667873.
In a related matter, the group Drive Safe Colorado gave away 50 brightly-colored caps at the homeless camp. The group is raising awareness of a record number of traffic deaths in the city this year — including three bicycle riders and 12 pedestrians.
“We find that many people who walk at night, particularly, and in the morning, are not visible,” said executive director Maile Gray. “We think and hope this is just one tool that may allow individuals to be seen by drivers.”
Gray also is seeking donations to pay for more caps, bearing the slogan “See and be Seen,” to be distributed.
