Campers living at three Milwaukee park and ride lots who were ordered to clear out by next week might be given a short reprieve to find permanent housing."I've never seen it this bad, where there were the campers like this, until a year or two ago," said Kate, who is living at a park and ride lot. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation had initially ordered the campers to vacate the lots by next Thursday. The department said the lots are an extension of the highway where camping is illegal."I think the park and rides are very indicative of some of the misconceptions of homelessness, not just in our community but across the country. In many ways, it's an economic issue. We are working with individuals out there who are working full-time," said Eric Collins-Dyke, a representative from Milwaukee County Housing Services. Collins-Dyke further explained that they have been continuously placing residents in permanent housing since the campers moved in last summer. Helping those there now is going to take a little more time. "I think with the coordination we have and with the resources we have, we feel confident we can do it," Collins-Dyke stated. "Eric says the biggest misconception about people living here in the park and ride lots is they don't want permanent housing. That somehow they'd prefer this over living in an apartment," said WISN 12 News reporter Nick Bohr. "Between about 45 and 50 I'd say as of today, and they are all motivated to get indoors. I think it's important for the community to know that these folks want housing, that we work with. There's often a misconception that folks want to be in this situation. That is 100% not the case," Collins-Dyke said. According to Collins-Dyke, the state is granting them some leeway on the Thursday deadline if it means securing permanent housing for the campers. In a statement to WISN 12 News, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said it supports the efforts of the homeless outreach workers "to help individuals on the path to long-term, stable housing rather than simply relocating already displaced individuals."
MILWAUKEE —
Campers living at three Milwaukee park and ride lots who were ordered to clear out by next week might be given a short reprieve to find permanent housing.
"I've never seen it this bad, where there were the campers like this, until a year or two ago," said Kate, who is living at a park and ride lot.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation had initially ordered the campers to vacate the lots by next Thursday. The department said the lots are an extension of the highway where camping is illegal.
"I think the park and rides are very indicative of some of the misconceptions of homelessness, not just in our community but across the country. In many ways, it's an economic issue. We are working with individuals out there who are working full-time," said Eric Collins-Dyke, a representative from Milwaukee County Housing Services.
Collins-Dyke further explained that they have been continuously placing residents in permanent housing since the campers moved in last summer.
Helping those there now is going to take a little more time.
"I think with the coordination we have and with the resources we have, we feel confident we can do it," Collins-Dyke stated.
"Eric says the biggest misconception about people living here in the park and ride lots is they don't want permanent housing. That somehow they'd prefer this over living in an apartment," said WISN 12 News reporter Nick Bohr.
"Between about 45 and 50 I'd say as of today, and they are all motivated to get indoors. I think it's important for the community to know that these folks want housing, that we work with. There's often a misconception that folks want to be in this situation. That is 100% not the case," Collins-Dyke said.
According to Collins-Dyke, the state is granting them some leeway on the Thursday deadline if it means securing permanent housing for the campers.
In a statement to WISN 12 News, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation said it supports the efforts of the homeless outreach workers "to help individuals on the path to long-term, stable housing rather than simply relocating already displaced individuals."
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