HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Homelessness can affect anyone. Encampments for those unhoused, like the one on Derrick St., become home for some, but they are often not in the best conditions. "This location has gone through a lot in recent history," Scott Erwin, Community Development manager with the City of Huntsville shares. "When we look at the condition, we realize that this is not a safe condition for anyone to be in temporarily or long term."
The city is looking to “reset” the current encampment while temporarily moving current residents to another space. "I think it's awesome. I think the cleanup is going to help them be able to stay healthy safely," Kermit Elliot, Director of the Catholic Center of Concern shares. "By all the agencies coming together to help this issue. it would also help the homeless become housed and become sheltered and that's our main goal.
"I think with the economy and the way things are going right now, certainly those numbers are rising for folks in need," Darrin Geiger, CEO with Family Services Center shares. "It's easy to assume that it's just people who, you know, aren't doing what they need to do, right. They're not working. They're not whatever. Certainly, that can be the case, but we're finding out that there's people out there who are working."
While the plan is to help those experiencing homelessness find better living condition, the encampment reset is not a part of the long-term goal. "We are working for anyone that comes through the process working to get them to that next level," Geiger shares. "So, this is what they deserve at minimum. but again, it's not the long-range goal. Nobody wants that as the long-range goal."
Those living in the camp have been given a two-week notice to vacate and move to the temporary location. The city is asking those looking to volunteer to help make the transition smoother call the City’s Community Development Department at 256-427-5400.
City of Huntsville Homeless Resources can be found here.
PREVIOUS: (9/18): According to Huntsville Fire Marshal Dan Wilkerson, a total of four tents were involved in the homeless camp fire on Tuesday. Wilkerson also confirmed that no explosive device or propane tanks were involved in the fire. Instead, evidence indicates that two people got into an argument which led to a tent being set on fire. The final number of people affected by he fire is unknown as many people left once first responders arrived.
INITIAL REPORT:
A fire erupted at a homeless camp just east of Glenwood Cemetery near Derrick Street on Tuesday afternoon.
Huntsville Police said that 50 to 70 percent of the area was affected by the flames. While the cause of the fire remains unclear, officials described it as a "fire-related explosion."
There have been no reports of injuries. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
In response to the fire, ShowerUp Huntsville is stepping in to help those in need. The nonprofit says there will be an urgent need for tents, sleeping bags, blankets, and other essentials. “Although their homes might look different than yours, the pain and sorrow hit the same,” a spokesperson said in a social media post.
ShowerUp Huntsville will continue providing mobile showers and personal care for those experiencing homelessness throughout the week. They encourage anyone with items to donate to drop them off at their events, where they will be given directly to those in need.
One of the drop-off points will be The Livin' Room at 2820 Governors Drive SW, 35805, which will accept drop-offs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Another drop-off location is ROSS Madison County, located at 8211 Stephanie Drive, Unit A, Huntsville, AL.
Additionally, the YMCA is hosting a Tent Drive in support of the local homeless community in the wake of the fire. Donations will go to First Stop as they work to provide these items and more to the homeless population.
Donations needed:
- Tents
- Sleeping Bags
- Pillows
- Blankets
Donations are being accepted at all three YMCA branches in Madison and Huntsville through Wednesday, September 25:
- 101 Church Street SW, Huntsville
- 1000 Weatherly Rd SE, Huntsville
- 130 Park Square Ln, Madison