Several Homeless Encampments Cleared in DC

Multiple Homeless Encampments Cleared in DC

The National Park Service and D.C. city government cleared tents and other makeshift housing materials from…

The Daily Signal

Officials in Washington, D.C. have cleared out numerous homeless encampments in the nation’s capital ahead of Washington’s summer tourist season.

The National Park Service and the city government cleared tents and other makeshift housing materials from six sections of land in the Northwest section of Washington last week. The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services plans to clear an encampment in Southeast Washington on Wednesday.

“The District’s Encampment Response Team was activated to protect residents on District property after dangerous circumstances arose, including fires, danger of traffic collisions, multiple assaults, and growing rodent issues,” Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Wayne Turnage told The Daily Signal in a prepared statement.

“Closing encampments is not a part of the District’s strategy to reduce homelessness,” Turnage said. “Instead, encampment engagements happen when there is a threat to public health or safety. The District continues to make investments in affordable housing, housing supports and economic supports, which are all elements of our strategy to reduce homelessness.”

The homeless in the camps were given two weeks’ notice ahead of the encampment dismantling…