Española encampment still stands after city said they would disband it over a month ago

ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (KRQE) – Broken promises, that’s what some residents in Española are saying about city officials. This after a homeless encampment the city said would be cleared out is still there. “They say they are going to do something, and they never do it,” says an Española resident who doesn’t want to be named.

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Española residents are fuming about a homeless encampment still by Phil Valdez Bridge in Española. “I don’t like it,” said the resident.

This homeless encampment the city provided at the beginning of the year was supposed to be a temporary solution. The overwhelming opinion from residents during a town hall meeting said they did not want the so-called “tent city”.

City officials told residents they would get rid of the encampment by June 1, but it still stands as of Friday. “When I met with the city attorney it was his decision that this become part of the governing body jurisdiction and let them dictate to me how this should be handled,” said Eric Lujan, Española city manager.

City officials say they hadn’t removed the camp waiting on the Oregon Supreme Court ruling on homelessness.  The ruling allows cities to stop homeless encampments in public places. Now, the city of Española is reviewing all legal solutions for the future of the encampment. “The goal is to successfully transition every individual here into permanent housing to receive work experience and to follow up to case management services,” said Michelle Faire, Director of Social Services.

The city has a new social service worker going out to the camp to try and work with the homeless to help try to find housing and even paperwork to get identification or things to try to get a job if they want it. “It’s just we are trying to get our lives together and you guys giving us an opportunity to stay here just gives us more time,” said Anthony Garcia, a resident of the encampment.

City officials said there are currently 24 homeless people living in the homeless encampment. The city says they hope to have a solution soon in hopes of the encampment going away.

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