Eugene Police has received calls regarding homeless camps being shut down. This is a serious misconception.
Here are the facts regarding any enforcement of camping while we are responding to concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic and observing the “Stay Home, Save Lives” Executive Order:
- Consistent with the Center for Disease Control guidelines, the City’s approach is intended to control the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing and hygiene, while providing critical services to people who are homeless.
- City of Eugene staff including Eugene Police Department are committed to supporting people experiencing homelessness, including ensuring access to food and water, hygiene and sanitation resources, healthcare, and shelter.
- Many homeless people are trying to observe social distancing and have set up safer spaces for themselves. This is being accommodated as long as it can be done safely and doesn’t become a private property trespass, constitute criminal behavior, or pose a significant health and safety issue that out-weighs the need for the individuals to stay in that place.
- If it is necessary for City of Eugene staff to engage in camping enforcement due to the above factors, we have a team in place to coordinate this. If appropriate, staff may recommend relocation to a designated shelter site.
- City staff will continue to clean up illegal dumpsites and abandoned camps as staffing resources and safety equipment allow.
Learn more about the Resources for Unhoused.