City officials said steps are being taken to find new housing for a large contingent of homeless people camped out in tents on city-owned property behind the city Wellness Center on E. 11th Street.
Kerry Hayes of the mayor's office said, "Individuals who are camped on this property have been formally noticed by city staff that they will need to vacate the premises, as it is not safe or healthy for them to remain. Beginning this Friday, April 6, we will begin working with each individual to safely transition them to another location.
"We will have a coordinated, orderly, and compassionate response that focuses on several short-term and long-term outcomes:
"1. Providing accurate and complete information to each individual on the property before any removal activity commences.
"2. Ensuring that their possessions are kept safe and, when possible, cleaned or repaired during this transition process.
"3. Moving all individuals into safe short-term housing as rapidly as we can.
"4. Working with as many individuals as possible to move them into safe, stable, and affordable permanent housing.
"Specifically, we have allocated funds to temporarily reopen the shelter at the Community Kitchen to provide short-term housing for those who want it."