Denver officials have announced plans to clear a migrant encampment located in the city’s Central Park, citing safety issues and unauthorized use of private property.
The encampment, currently home to approximately 100 migrants, is situated on land owned by the Union Pacific railroad company.
The group residing at the encampment includes individuals, families, and children, some of whom have been there for seven weeks. In response to the living conditions, the city of Denver has offered 30-day shelter accommodations to families, though these offers have been universally declined.
Efforts to provide safer alternatives for children living in the camp have been met with challenges, according to city spokespersons. Single individuals at the site have been directed toward other shelter options available within the city.
Candice Marley, leader of All Souls, the organization initially behind the establishment of the camp, said many of the families found refuge there after being evicted from their apartments, 9News reported.
The evictions occurred following difficulties in sustaining rent payments, despite being placed in housing through city-run programs.
In recent efforts to address the situation, Housekeys Action Network, a nonprofit organization, has collaborated with city officials to assist those living at the camp. The partnership aims to find long-term solutions for the residents’ housing and safety concerns.
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