The city’s Homeless Initiatives Division is funneling an estimated 150 to 200 people who are dispersed across town camping at public parks, wooded areas and the library, to the parcel of land behind Johnny’s Tavern to live in a city-run temporary shelter. “I would prefer to call it a support campsite,” said Jenn Wolsey, homeless programs coordinator. “It’s intended for us to have a space for individuals to go to that has amenities, portable restrooms, showers, and then we will also be there as well. It’s also a place that providers can go to, like one place to meet folks where they’re at, where we can bring … food resources and things like that.” How many people will stay at the city-sanctioned campsite is unknown, Wolsey said. The city will supply 10-by-10 tents, and campers who have larger tents will have to downsize so the city can fully utilize the space. Campers won’t be allowed to have storage tents or extra space to keep blankets, pillows or food that doesn’t fit into their tents.
Source: The Lawrence Times
