Local

Large homeless encampment in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood being removed

TACOMA, Wash. — A homeless encampment in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood is in the process of being removed.

City officials said the camp has become a safety hazard and is the cause of a high number of 911 calls, mostly for fires and shots fired.

The removal process for the camp between South Ninth Street and South 11th Street, and between Martin Luther King Way and M Street, started at around 9 a.m. Wednesday.

>>Previous coverage: Sprawling homeless encampment in Tacoma to be cleared out

About 30 people are living at the encampment, about 10 fewer than two weeks ago. The city said those 30 people have not accepted referrals to shelters.

Though Tacoma’s encampment removal policy allows the city to give 72-hour notice for people to leave, the city posted a notice two weeks ago so people there would have more time to find shelter.

The Homeless Engagement and Alternatives Liaison Team has been reaching out to people there since March.

The city won’t start removing garbage and debris until the encampment is unoccupied. Tacoma police officers and homeless outreach agencies will be at the site to help.

People at some restaurants along South 11th Street said the encampments have been hurting their bottom line. Head chef Brandon Barrios at Bar Rosa told KIRO 7 two weeks ago that despite big praise for their wood-fired pies, people have been hesitant to come in.

“We’ve had people write food blogs about us and one of the first things they say in the first couple paragraphs is all about what’s going on across the street,” said Barrios. “People are writing about how they should be cautious when they come here: come in pairs, don’t come at night if you’re a single female.”

Not everyone agrees with the removal of the encampment. Some have voiced concern about a lack of affordable housing and where the 30 people who are living at the encampment will end up.

Jared McCaus was one of six unhoused people that KIRO 7 reporter Kevin Ko spoke with on Wednesday.

“I’m going through the biggest struggles you’ve ever heard of. (I’m) 53 years old,” said McCaus. “I am afraid for my life and everybody else.”

All of the people Ko spoke with said they don’t know where they will go, but most said they’ll likely be moving right down the street.