ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Driving alongside the South Platte River, it’s not entirely obvious the community of tents that are installed along the edge.
At times it’s hidden by the river’s natural beauty. Once you take a closer look though, your perspective may change.
A member of Change the Trend, an organization aimed at reducing the impact of homelessness, Lynnann Huizingh, said many of the people who are homeless find it hard to break the cycle of living on the streets.
“Some of these folks, probably the majority would prefer to not be camping,” said Huizingh. “A lot of these folks are working somewhere, and their wages don’t allow them to save money to get into even a low-level apartment.”
About two weeks ago, signs were posted along the river telling everyone living there they must move out by June, 4.
Huizingh said people would be given an option to be taken to a shelter where they’ll be provided a variety of services.
“It takes approximately five efforts, five times, for people to try and get off the streets before they’re actually successful,” she said.
Huizingh said police and other organizations would begin removing people from the river on Tuesday morning.