Aberdeen homeless camp closing; some residents moving to encampment; some moving elsewhere

Originally posted 7-22-19

The City of Aberdeen is clearing out the River Street camp, and they say they are monitoring other ares areas that some of the residents may be moving into other than the new shelter at City Hall.

In a release, Aberdeen Mayor Erik Larson reports that the city is continuing their work to close the camp along the Chehalis River, including tearing down vacant structures and moving items out of the area. He says that the Aberdeen Police Department is handing out trespassing notices to those who have chosen to remain on the site, and there could be legal action against those individuals as of today.

The city plans to continue the clean-up this week and reminds the public that the property is closed to all public access.

Larson tells KXRO that the city is monitoring other areas that he says are “vulnerable to unsanctioned encampments” that may begin to see traffic with the closure of the River Street Property. He says that code and law enforcement personnel are working with property owners to address any encampments as well as public health and safety related concerns on private property.

Individuals who are looking for a new location have the option of using the temporary alternative shelter behind City Hall. This space provides a safe place to sleep and store some personal possessions. The lot features 43 sites, each with a tent, with each person provided a sleeping bag which remains at the facility.  

Sites are available on a first come, first serve basis, until the site is at capacity.

City Staff are on-site between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm to check individuals in and to provide minor security; security staff are on site between 4:30pm and 8:30am.

The site is closed to entry and quiet hours are enforced between 10pm and 6 am.

All individuals sheltering at the facility are required to sign a “Rules of Conduct” form. These rules were put in place for the safety of those individuals who are staying, and for the surrounding residents, businesses and community.

At this time, we ask that individuals and community groups/non-profits please refrain from making donations of items to the site. There are several organizations already in the community that accept donated items. The City of Aberdeen has provided each one of the residents with a list of places to go for hot meals, clothing banks, personal hygiene items, housing support, mental health support, etc. 

For a complete list of those organizations who accept donations and a copy of the rules for the new site, visit https://aberdeenwa.gov/wp-content/uploads/Temporary-Alternative-Shelter-Location-Information.pdf