Columbia car camp provides a sanitary space during COVID-19

COLUMBIA Mo. (KMIZ)

A car camp in Columbia is providing a space where people experiencing homelessness can go to clean up and stay stagnant.

The CoMo Car Camp is Columbia Ward 2 City Councilman Mike Trapp and his brother John Trapp's third attempt to create a safe space for people without shelter to stay during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fiona Draco, the CoMo Car Camp project manager says she hopes this space is long term.

"Our biggest goal is to provide a happy safe place where people can be not be under threat or thrown around and and basically decrease panic," Draco said. "Most importantly, be able to keep people who are less fortunate from catching COVID or feeling panicked about it and doing something that they otherwise wouldn't."

The car camp provides people with 3 porta potties, 5 hand washing and sanitizing stations, facemasks, clothes and an occasional hot meal.

Draco said capacity is 100 people and they are working on getting a physician and a psychologist to volunteer time.

"We have an opportunity here to you know get maxed out and I wouldn't say regulate but really provide services and support to these people," Draco said.

Terry Roberts, a Columbia resident, stopped by to donate clothes and other items to the car camp and said people should value community during the pandemic.

"It's the community's responsibility to step up and help out however they can especially in times of need," Roberts said. "I think all times it's important to have community, but especially in times of adversity, because when we get through to the other side the community is that much stronger."

Draco said people in the community looked after her so she is doing what she can to give it back.

"You know, I don't have any family and I really rely on the community, to not only understand me but invest in me," Draco said. "Someone invested in me to get my certification and here I am giving it back to the community."