LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville Public Works posted "no trespassing" signs at the homeless camp along Third Street and River Road near the KFC Yum! Center.
The sign was posted on Thursday, giving the homeless in the area until March 23, 2023 to vacate the area for clean up. It's estimated that about a dozen homeless people live at the camp site.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) had shut down the exit 5B ramp to clear debris and sweep the ramp. Then, the homeless encampment had the green light to stay. But that's not the case anymore.Â
"Every time a camp is cleared, we are really just moving the problem somewhere else," said Metro Councilman Jecorey Arthur, D-4. He believes housing is a human right.
"Nobody, your income, your record, no matter what you look like or where you are from, you should have access for housing," he said.
Per an agreement between Louisville Metro Government and KYTC, Metro Public Works will be clearing the camp officials say is illegal and on state property on or after March 23.Â
"So when those camps get cleared, sometimes people get mad at the city, but the city doesn't control it," said Arthur. "The city has to listen to the state, just like the state has to listen to the federal government."
Nina Mosley, with Wayside Christian Mission, works at Hotel Louisville.
"I'm always glad when folks come indoors," Mosley said. "It is difficult to stay outdoors in this weather."
She said cleaning out camps is good for the homeless because it opens them up to resources.
"They take that one option away at which they are comfortable with, staying in their tents and so forth, it kind of opens the door to other possibilities for them. and there are good opportunities. I think some folks stay out so long, they kind of loose hope, don't think they will have a a place of their own, but I always like for them to come in where there is safety, good nutrition for them, and clothing," she said.
Wayside Christian Mission has permanent housing and transitioning housing options for the homeless, options those living at the camp along Third Street will soon need.
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