City of Columbia estimates 20 people lived in homeless camp cleaned out on Monday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

About 20 people were living in the homeless camp that was cleaned out on Monday, City of Columbia spokeswoman Sydney Olsen told ABC 17 News in a Tuesday email.

The homeless camp was located near Hinkson Creek, just north of the Interstate 70/Highway 63 Interchange. The cleanup occurred after the city received a warning from the Department of Natural Resources about pollution in Hinkson Creek caused by trash pileups in the homeless encampment. The DNR cited the city in December.

Olsen said the city doesn't know where the people in the camp are relocating, to due to the city not asking for that information. Olsen said a 30-day notice to vacate the area was posted.

She said during that 30 days, staff made contact with the individuals staying in the area to put them in touch with resources based on their needs.

Olsen said that some people took up the offers of resources while some did not.

According to Olsen, the Columbia Police Department will periodically check the area to see if there are people illegally camping there. She said if the police do come across people staying in the area, they will be guided towards resources.

According to the Boone County Indicators website, in 2022, there were 336 people that were classified as homeless in Boone County.

Of that number, 281 people were considered to be "sheltered" while 55 were considered to be "unsheltered".