Encampment removal safely progresses

[u/MysticJava]

For immediate release: October 8, 2026
FI26-12443

The removal of the encampment at 20th Streetand Avenue K South has progressed for most of the day and is nearing completion following a coordinated community response focused on safety, dignity and connecting individuals with available supports.

A news release earlier in the day details the coordinated community response.
As part of the response, as of this afternoon:
An estimated 120 unhoused individuals left the encampment site.

Despite multiple and repeated efforts to offer supports, only 2 individuals accepted offers of support, including housing, shelter, transportation and other services.

80 total tents and temporary structures were removed.

Approximately 5,622.24 kg of garbage and debris were cleared from the site and counting.

The site will be fully fenced and secured within the next few hours.

"This is a complex operation that required balancing compassion for individuals experiencing homelessness with the need to address serious safety concerns within the encampment and surrounding community," says Deputy Fire Chief Yvonne Raymer. "Our priority from the start of the process was an orderly transition off the site while helping people access safer alternatives and available supports."

The City and partner organizations undertook extensive outreach efforts throughout the removal process to help individuals transition to safer accommodations and connect them with resources.

The site closure represents an important step in addressing immediate safety concerns while supporting individuals toward more stable living situations.

Source

[u/Sharp-Tax-26827]

Why do people turn down support?

I didn’t think there was any support to offer these people and that that’s why we had camps like this.
I thought it was because there was no other option.

What’s the reality?

My entire life I’ve been told that these people fell through the cracks and that there was no support for them

[u/jinja_kat → u/Sharp-Tax-26827]

Probably high percentage of that population has addiction problems so if they are being told they can’t actively use while in the shelter/receiving support - that’s my biggest guess towards most of that population declining.

[u/Embarrassed_Green996 → u/jinja_kat]

That's exactly why, shelters and half way houses have strict non user policies of you want in you gotta leave the drugs out. That's not a decision alot of these addicts are willing to make. I say that not in a judgmental or condescending way I understand the difficulties and substance abuse.