MADRAS, OR -- Restrictions on unsanctioned camping in Madras go into effect at the end of July, following City Council approval of a new ordinance on a 5 to 2 vote.
Community Development Director Nick Snead tells KBND News 2 city-owned properties, on Northwest Willow Creek and 3rd Street are designated for camping, but only for overnight, meaning 1 hour after sunrise, and 1 hour before sunset. “What is most important for people to know is that it requires homeless individuals to leave these two sites daily, and to take their belongings with them. And then they can come back at a later time,” Snead says enforcement will begin with educating an estimated 80 to 100 houseless individuals on the new law, “Over the next 60 days we’ll work with them to make sure they’re aware of the rules, what resources are available to them and help them become accustomed to these new requirements. It’s not intended to be enforced strictly on day one of the effective date.”
The new camping policy begins on July 27th.
A homeless services center, near the 3rd Street Camping Area, is set to open in January.
