Homeless camp on Derrick Street forced to evacuate; non-profit steps up to help

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – It’s long days and even longer nights for people living at the homeless camp on Derrick Street in Huntsville.

The City of Huntsville forced them to evacuate by 6 o’clock Wednesday morning to allow crews to clean up after the fire last month that destroyed and devastated the area. The city claimed there was fire debris and other hazardous materials that needed to be removed.

“It was kind of chaotic, a lot of stuff,” Reginold Harold, living at the homeless camp said. “Nasty. Stuff like that.”

Another person living at the camp on Derrick Street let out a sigh of relief, saying they are glad crews are there to clean the camp up.

“I think it was a good thing to do because, I’ve never seen that place look that bad,” they said. “It’s never looked that bad.”

The camp has moved down the road in the meantime while they wait for the camp to be cleaned. The location is still on Derrick Street.

“The only thing they told us is to keep it clean, and they moved us over here,” Harold said. “Just keep it clean.”

But the camp relocation isn’t the only concern. Winter is coming.

“Well, as the weather gets colder and living in a tent it could be, it’s bad,” Harold said. “But you just gotta survive. You gotta get enough blankets and stuff and stay warm.”

Joyful Blessings is helping them do just that.

Not only does the nonprofit provide hot meals every Tuesday night, but they give them any and everything they need to stay warm.

“We’re just trying to get them through each day, each season,” Joyful Blessings Volunteer Bill Goble said. “You know, summer, spring, winter, fall. So, right now, it’s just keeping them warm, keeping them fed. Letting them know that people care. Someone out there loves them.”

Goble made another appearance today bringing supplies for comfort and warmth to people at the camp, as temperatures are expected to drop to the 30s overnight.

“You know, they’re very excited,” Goble said. “It’s simple things like a blanket. They get very excited over a blanket. A sleeping bag. A tent.”

Joyful Blessings is always asking for donations, especially in a time like this. Find opportunities to donate or volunteer here or visit their Facebook page . They have also curated an Amazon Wishlist for highly needed items.

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