Dozens of homeless people cleared out of encampments in Northwest DC

WASHINGTON ( DC News Now ) — Officials in the District worked to clear out two homeless encampments in Northwest D.C. Thursday morning, citing health, safety and community use as reasons behind the removal.

The encampments are in a public park at 20th and E Streets Northwest and Virginia NW, as well as at 21st Street and Virginia Avenue NW and 25th Street and Virginia Avenue NW.

Homeless advocates say the National Park Service (NPS) and Metropolitan Police Department plan to remove about 70 people living in tents throughout the Foggy Bottom area.

The National Homeless Law Center, Miriam’s Kitchen and other local advocates were on site to help people gather their belongings before officials disposed of their property.

Advocates argue the encampment clearing represents a blatant disregard for the safety of vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness.

They demand D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and others provide real solutions, such as increased housing and supportive services instead.

“Housing is the answer,” said Adam Rocap with Miriam’s Kitchen. “That’s the way we should be addressing this issue. So that’s at the city level. There needs to be more funding. And that’s where the street outreach teams like Miriam’s Kitchen – that are working day in and day out to make that happen – are critical. And things like these types of closures don’t help and actually set that all backward.”

But officials say crews are called to clean public spaces when a site presents a security, health or safety risk, or interferes with community use.

They also say they provide resources to shelter the homeless and offer housing and behavioral health services to the individuals impacted.

Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services Wayne Turnage sent a statement to DC News Now, saying:

The District’s Encampment Response Team was activated to protect residents on District property after dangerous circumstances arose, including fires, danger of traffic collisions, multiple assaults, and growing rodent issues.

The National Park Service is the decision-making entity for encampments on federal land, but the District continues to work to deliver shelter resources and other social services to residents at those sites. The District will continue our work to connect all unhoused residents in the city with human support services, including housing.

Wayne Turnage, Deputy Mayor of Health and Human Services

The encampment clearing comes at a time when homelessness in the District is up 14% from last year.

Advocates say the removal comes just in time for the Fourth of July celebrations, but the National Park Service says the removal has nothing to do with the Fourth of July events.

NPS also released a statement to DC News Now saying, in part:

DMHHS and service providers are on-site to assist unsheltered people with housing options. At approximately 10 a.m., anyone remaining in the park will be advised to leave and trained crews will begin cleaning the park and removing any hazards.

The National Park Service is committed to taking a social services-first approach and will continue to work closely with the District government, social services providers, and community partners on connecting unsheltered individuals to supportive outreach. By providing notice of the closure on October 18, 2023, we have provided time for social service providers and unsheltered individuals to engage and explore options for safe interim and permanent housing.

The National Park Service

The District is planning another removal on Wednesday, May 22 at 10 a.m. in the Eastern Market area at 228 7th St. SE.

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