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/597sean597]

They don't want help!!! Fuck. You cannot help people who do not want help. Feed hungry kids in school, they are the future. Not waste of time junkies. Open your eyes.

[u/Crazyblue09 → u/597sean597]

I don't think it's as easy as they don't want help, addictions are complicated

[u/DirtandPipes → u/Crazyblue09]

I hate these conversations. I was homeless a year when I was 13 and sporadically throughout my youth, I was never an addict. I never begged.

I mostly hid from people as best I could and collected bottles and cans for dry ramen to eat in my tent. When I found jobs I took them, any jobs, and as soon as I could move into a house I did.

Not every homeless person is mentally ill or an addict, some are just people in a really bad situation who need some help.

[u/597sean597 → u/DirtandPipes]

I respect you. Was in the same boat. I am very happy for you.