D.C. Will Permanently Remove Homeless Encampments Under NoMa Underpass

[mahatmakanejeeves]

I've been past this setting too.

WAMU | JAN 7, 4:30 PM

D.C. Will Permanently Remove Homeless Encampments Under NoMa Underpass
Martin Austermuhle, WAMU


While D.C. does periodically clear away homeless encampments on public space, it is now more aggressively saying tents and other personal belongings can’t remain on one sidewalk in NoMa.

Martin Austermuhle / WAMU

D.C. is moving to permanently clear a homeless encampment located on K Street NE in NoMa, declaring the sidewalks “pedestrian passageways” that cannot be blocked by tents or other personal belongings.

The move was announced by bright orange signs posted late last week warning that starting on Jan. 16, “all property blocking this sidewalk is subject to immediate removal and disposal.” In the past, the city has given advance notice of its plans to periodically clear homeless encampments from sidewalks and parks, but many of the tents and other belongings would quickly reappear. The new signs in NoMa indicate a more aggressive approach to keep tents from reappearing—though one that is also somewhat limited.

While the clearing of tents and other personal belongings could impact dozens of people experiencing homelessness who sleep under the train bridge crossing over the street, it will not extend to encampments on L and M streets, which are just to the north. City officials say the new policy is necessary because of the high number of tents crowded along narrow sidewalks on K Street, which could pose a hazard to people who walk along them to get to and from home and work.
....

This story originally appeared on WAMU.

Link to tweet

[dewsgirl]

1. I hate these assholes. Where are they supposed to go? They

have nothing, but sure go ahead and throw away the last shred of humanity these people have.

[Iwasthere]

2. This is happening across the country

My small town, Salem, Oregon and across the country. They've even hired high school students in years past, to assist in the the sweeps. Rents are high, rental applications are higher. If you have to work 3 jobs to afford rent, utilities, food, etc,.. Well, I am sure I'm preaching to the choir here.