Notice has begun being provided to residents of an unauthorized encampment in the area of 6th Street and Chestnut Avenue that they have 72 hours to vacate the premises. At its July 5th business meeting, the Yakima City Council directed the encampment be immediately relocated temporarily to City of Yakima-owned property adjacent to the southeast corner of 3rd Street and Walnut Avenue based on public health and safety concerns.
In addition to notice to vacate the premises, encampment residents are being provided information letting them know that they may relocate to the City-owned property on 3rd Street and Walnut.
Tomorrow the City will have restroom facilities, sanitary stations, and trash receptacles located on the 3rd Street and Walnut property. Once the 6th Street and Chestnut encampment is closed, which will occur on Monday, July 11th, restroom facilities, sanitary stations, and trash receptacles currently at that location will be moved to the 3rd Street and Walnut property.
The City is partnering with local organizations that offer homeless services to provide outreach to the residents of the 6th Street and Chestnut encampment prior to its closure and to ensure homeless services will continue to be available at the 3rd Street and Walnut property.
The 3rd Street and Walnut property is intended to be used as a temporary homeless encampment until a housing voucher program is launched, likely in mid-August.