Indianapolis Homeless Encampment Receives Eviction Notice
Indianapolis Homeless Encampment Receives Eviction Notice from City
INDIANAPOLIS — The City of Indianapolis is shutting down a homeless encampment in Fountain Square next month.
The Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety posted a letter near the encampment, announcing the permanent closure of the area to camping and storing personal property, effective Aug. 11. The letter mentioned that any items found in the area after that date will be thrown away.
The encampment is located near Interstate 65. Homeowners near the site have expressed their concerns about the growing encampment, mentioning violence, drug use, and other issues happening in the area.
What will happen to the site in the future was not mentioned in the letter, nor was the reasoning for the closure. It’s also unclear how many people will be affected.
Some campers said there is a need for a long-term solution. Reggie Johnson told WISH-TV that he can’t afford the high cost of living at the moment.
“They’re not too much concerned about the homeless,” he said of the city. “If that was the case, there would be other buildings that they’re doing nothing with where they can help house homeless people.”
The number of people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis has increased by 7% from last year, with 1,815 individuals currently without housing.
The city said storage bins will be provided for campers for up to 60 days before items left unattended are removed.
